MD of Iduapriem Mine, Jasper Musadaidzwa
The 16th edition of the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem’s Thanksgiving Service took place at Tarkwa, with a call on employees and management to acknowledge God in their operations at all times.
Delivering the sermon on the theme, “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9 KJV), Pastor John C.K Otoo of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Judah Temple Tarkwa, commended management of the mine for instituting a day to offer praise to God.
“Let us continually be thankful to God as a people throughout the changing scenes of life because his mercies endureth forever,” he encouraged.
In a speech read on behalf of the Western Regional Minister, a Deputy Director at the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council, Dalphene Nyargorme, said the mine has partnered government in its developmental agenda, especially in the mine’s host communities through the provision of sustainable social, educational infrastructure and numerous water and sanitary projects.
“Government needs the support of all stakeholders, particularly chiefs in mining communities, to ensure that illegal mining is curbed, its effect on the environment is alarming.”
She therefore called on all to help in government’s fight against illegal mining.
Taking stakeholders and business partners through the operational highlights of the Mine, Managing Director of the Mine, Jasper Musadaidzwa, said the mine faces its fair share of industry challenges but through good management practices, the mine overcame them.
“It is a year in which we also tested our business and sailed very close to the limits. We had a good number of unbudgeted stoppages – five-day stoppage on mills in February; and 14 days on Primary Crusher in September. Despite these challenges, it is noteworthy to mention that 2017 gold production is the highest the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) plant has produced since the plant was commissioned in 1992”.
This year’s thanksgiving attracted a cross-section of stakeholders, namely representatives of government institutions, traditional leaders, clergy, academia, media, AngloGold Ashanti employees and their dependents.
Church choirs from Tarkwa Crusaders Carol and ICGC Judah Temple praise team, treated members of the host communities and guests to praise and carol music.