CEO TALK
Resolute’s resilience in Africa Resolute Mining owns three gold mines in Africa – Syama (Mali), Mako (Senegal) and Bibiani (Ghana) – with a global mineral resource base of more than 13 million ounces. In addition, Resolute is involved in mine exploration and development projects. Inside Mining interviews John Welborn, managing director and CEO of Resolute Mining. What makes mining in Africa different compared to the rest of the world? John Welborn The first thing that makes Africa unique is its massive endowment of geological potential, whether it is gold or iron ore, bauxite or tantalum, or any other FOLLOW THE LINK commodity. A lot of Africa is largely unexplored by modern miners, which is Read the full story: exciting. Africa represents a relatively new miningnews.co.za/2020/07/28/ frontier for mining. resolute’s-resilience-in-africa
What is the most challenging aspect about operating in Africa?
John Welborn is the managing director and CEO at Resolute Mining
Resolute has been mining in Africa for over 20 years. The challenging aspect for miners in Africa is understanding the cultures and environment in which you operate. With African stakeholders, government and local communities being the obvious ones, recognising differences in mining practices between jurisdictions is important.
How has Resolute dealt with such challenges? Resolute first entered Ghana in the late 1990s. The company has therefore had 20 years to take its training wheels off. Resolute continues to develop its ability to operate in Africa through experience and relationships. The fundamental relationships are with the host governments, the local communities and, importantly, our workforce. Increasingly, I see an area of opportunity – and an advantage for Resolute – being the ability to train and employ a largely African workforce on African gold mines.
What impact do you think the African Continental Free Trade Agreement would have on mining companies operating in Africa? It will have a positive effect, particularly on the bulk miners. There is an opportunity to make the free trade agreement advantageous for African countries and the African people, as well as international mining companies.
What would you say is the biggest lesson Resolute has learnt throughout the years operating in Africa? Resolute is still learning lessons. I think the biggest lessons learned are patience and perseverance. I am a huge believer in the potential of Africa, but it does require commitment. Mining is a long-term commitment. The idea that you are going be able to come into new jurisdictions and exploit resources quickly for immediate benefit is, first, naive and, second, does not reward all the stakeholders. An important aspect of the successful development of African mining is to have a long-term view and be patient.
Where do you see Resolute’s African operations in the future? Our strategy is to be a multi-mine low-cost African gold producer. We currently have two operating mines, being Syama and Mako. Resolute’s ambition over the next few years is to continue to improve these operations and use that success to develop new gold mines.
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