Search for missing miner continues

The search for a missing worker at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi mine in Ghana is ongoing, following an underground collapse last week.

The employee, who was working for a joint venture led by Perth-based contractor Perenti, went missing on May 18 following the collapse of one of the operation’s mining stopes, immediately triggering a search and rescue response.

Today, AngloGold said the search for the employee and investigation into the incident was continuing.

It reiterated the collapse was likely caused by a pillar failure.

AngloGold has temporarily suspended operations and pulled annual production and cost guidance for the Obuasi mine.

It said it would undertake an in-depth assessment of the mine design, schedule, and ground management plans before releasing certain areas for a phased resumption of operations.

“Our top priorities right now are the search for our missing colleague and to provide support to his family,” interim chief executive Christine Ramon said.

The employee worked for Underground Mining Alliance – a 70:30 joint venture between Perenti’s Africa Underground Mining Services company and local Ghanaian contractor Rocksure.

Perenti said the JV was continuing to provide support to the family of the missing employee and his fellow workers.

Shares in the group were down 1.5 per cent to trade at 66 cents, as at 1:32pm AEST today.

AngloGold was trading 3 per cent lower to $6.47.