Overview
SG Controls were engaged to design, commission and manage the control system upgrades for the Obuasi Gold Mine as part of the recent mine expansion and modernisation. Located in the Ashanti region of Ghana, the mine contains both underground and open cut operations.
The team of engineers from SG Controls focused on optimising the existing processes whilst also designing and commissioning the new flotation plant.
Products used
- Schneider Quantum and M340 PLCs
- Unity Pro v6.1
Profile
- Expansion to existing gold mining facilities as well as restoration of out of date hardware and software control systems
- Obuasi Gold Mine running since 1897
- Owned by Anglo Gold Ashanti since 2004 following a merger between Anglo Gold and Ashanti Goldfields Corporation
- Current works are necessary to continue improvements to output and yield
- Also designed to continue the process of minimizing the environmental impacts
- Forge Africa managing the works on behalf of Anglo Gold Ashanti
Capacity
- Ore produced containing approximately 5g Au per tonne
- Output of over 11.5 tonnes Au per annum
Products handled
- Gold Ore
- Refined Gold
Scope of works
- Implement Flotation System Upgrades for improved yields
- SCADA and PLC upgrades included control of new equipment and optimization of existing systems
- Replacement and upgrades of instrumentation throughout process plant
- Regulations require the use of a high percentage of local staff
Our involvement
- Design and commission control system upgrades, including PLC and SCADA
- Manage electrical and instrumentation works
- Design and commission the floatation system
- Optimize the current process plant