owere

Signature Metals, an Australian Mining Company, operators of the Owere Gold Mines at Konongo-Odumase in the Ashanti Region, will start full-scale mining operations by September, this year.
Mr. Roger Banister, the Project Manager, said more than 70 per cent of equipment installation is completed.

He said they are only waiting for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to complete its impact assessment studies to commence business.

The mine covers an area of 12 square kilometres and it is estimated to produce 100,000 ounces of gold annually.

Mr. Banister told a press briefing at Konongo that they have received over 4,000 employment applications so far, but will hire 350 people.

About 80 per cent of them will come from the 12 communities where the mining operation will be concentrated.

He expressed satisfaction with the level of co-operation the company is receiving from the traditional leaders in the area.

They include chiefs from Agyareago, Atunsu, Domeabra, Kwakorkor, Konongo, Kyekyebiase, Kyekyewere, Nyaboe, Nyinampenease, Obenemase, Odumase and Patriensa.

Mr. Banister re-affirmed the company's determination to ensure that it lives up to its social responsibility to the people in its operation area.