MPONENG (WESTERN DEEP NO. 1 SHAFT)

Agreed a process with Eskom, whereby the supplier will give its normal guarantees for sufficient power for the company to undertake shifts from tonight for the purpose of re-establishing safe workplaces at each of the deep level underground mines in South Africa.

Following notification from Eskom regarding interruptions to power supplies, AngloGold Ashanti has halted mining and gold recovery operations on all of its South African operations. Only underground emergency pumping work is being carried out. According to Eskom, the current situation arises from reduced generating capacity aggravated by problems associated with coal supplies to power stations caused by unusually heavy rainfall. Eskom has not yet indicated how long the present situation will continue but the company is in contact with the electricity supply body.

AngloGold Ashanti is planning three new mines within existing infrastructure in South Africa and Ghana as a stronger gold price has moved parameters for mining, writes Mineweb.
(See Mineweb: Three new mega gold mines for AngloGold Ashanti in SA and Ghana )