Canadian-based intermediate gold producer Semafo has restarted operations at its Boungou mine located in Burkina Faso, Africa.
The processing of the stockpile has begun at the mine following suspension of operation in November 2019 due to an attack on a convoy of buses carrying its employees.
The attack took place on the road between Fada and the Boungou Mine site in the East region of the country, on a convoy comprised of five buses, which was escorted by military personnel.
Boungou plant to produce up to 46,000 ounces from stockpiles
During the initial three months, the Boungou processing plant is expected to produce between 42,000 and 46,000 ounces from stockpiles at an all-in sustaining cost of between $530 and $560 per ounce.
Semafo said it is transporting its employees and contractors using a ten-person helicopter between Fada and Boungou. It plans to transition to an aeroplane once the airstrip is completed.
As part of the phased plan, the firm plans to restart mining at Boungou project in the fourth quarter while stockpile processing continues.
Semafo, however, is seeking improved security on the public road and in the surrounding region from the government in order to increase the frequency of deliveries.
The firm said in a statement: “We are in discussions with the authorities regarding the necessary security plan. We are also in discussions with mining contractors to replace African Mining Services at Boungou by the fourth quarter.”
Separately, Semafo announced its 2020 exploration plan, which will see an investment of $7m on three priority properties including Bantou, Boungou and Mana.
The firm plans to invest $4m at the Bantou mine for exploration programme, which will involve a 19,300m drill programme to assess prospective areas outside of the existing resources.
Additionally, Semafo will undertake $1m exploration programme at the Boungou mine that will include 3,000m of reverse-circulation (RC) drilling to identify new near-mine resources.
At Mana property, the firm plans to invest $2m to follow up on targets identified by the geologic review and undertake 3,800m RC drill campaign on three different areas around Siou.
