West Perth-based gold and uranium explorer Predictive Discovery said employees at its joint venture with Progress Minerals in the West African country of Burkina Faso were safe, after a geologist working for its Canadian partner was kidnapped from the project site and killed.
On January 15, Kirk Woodman was kidnapped from a camp at Tiabongou, Burkina Faso,; his body was found on January 17.
Predictive has a 49 per cent interest in the JV, which covers 11 gold exploration permits in eastern Burkina Faso.
The Burkina Faso government had previously declared a state of emergency in the region, as result of several attacks by Islamic extremist groups.
In a statement to the ASX, Predictive said the ongoing safety and security of its employees at the JV managed by Progress was of paramount.
“All local employees of the joint venture company Predictive Discovery SARL are safe and secure after the incident,” the statement read.
“Predictive is monitoring the ongoing security situation in various regions of Burkina Faso and will work with Progress Minerals to assess the implications for its local project activities.
“The incident does not affect any other Predictive operations or interests.”
Progress managing director Paul Roberts extended his sympathies to the family and colleagues of Mr Woodman, who had 20 years of geology experience in West Africa.
“Kirk’s expertise, professionalism and love of his work and passion for West Africa was obvious to all who knew him,” Mr Roberts said.
“We support Burkinabe and Canadian government efforts to bring those responsible for this terrible act to justice.”
In June 2016, three Australian workers of Macmahon Holdings were kidnapped from a worksite in fellow West African country, Nigeria.
The workers were released a few days after their abduction.
Macmahon ceased its operations in Nigeria in October that year.
