The government of Guinea has placed an embargo on all imports and exports by Anglogold Ashanti’s Siguiri mine, including the export of gold bullion and the import of diesel, the company said on Wednesday.
”Diesel fuel is urgently required in order to maintain critical pumps at the heap leach plant, without which there is a risk of cyanide discharges and environmental harm,” Anglogold said.
Siguiri, located in northern Guinea, produced 58 000 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2004.
AngloGold Ashanti is an 85% shareholder in the operation and the government of Guinea has a 15% share. AngloGold Ashanti is currently constructing a carbon in pulp plant, which will increase production by 50%.
AngloGold Ashanti said it was seeking urgent discussions with the government of Guinea to discover the reasons for the embargo and, jointly with government, to pursue an urgent resumption of mining activity.
”This is in the interests of all stakeholders in the Siguiri mine.”
AngloGold Ashanti said it would keep all stakeholders informed of developments. – Sapa