Golden Star gets permits to start underground mining at Ghana’s Prestea

Ghanaian authorities have given permits to the Golden Star Resources (GSR) to commence the phase one of the Prestea underground mine in the country.

The environmental and mining permits will allow the company to commence initial development in the Central Shaft area in order to achieve early production, the GSR announced January 10, 2013.

According to the CEO of GSR, Sam Coetzer, the permits will also advance the miner’s  infrastructure, with the long-term goal of transforming Prestea Underground into a modern, mechanized mine and a key contributor to lower cost gold production.

“We are preparing for early production from existing infrastructure and remnant stopes in the Central Shaft area as allowed by these permits. We are also proceeding with a feasibility study on the development of the West Reef area, completion of which is expected in the first half of 2013,” Coetzer said.

The company’s gold output in Ghana rose 12% in 2012. Golden Star produced a total of 336,348 gold ounces during the full year 2012 from its Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa operations in Ghana.

By Ekow Quandzie