Mining Magazine > Panorama > AEGL commissions explosives plant

African Explosives (Ghana) Ltd (AEGL), a member of the AEL Mining Services group, has commissioned a new bulk emulsion plant at Gold Fields' Tarkwa operation in Ghana, following the renewal of the explosives supply agreement between the two companies for a further period of five years. The contract covers the delivery of a full down-the-hole service and on site storage of bulk emulsion packaged explosives and accessories.

The plant has the capacity to manufacture 2,500t of bulk emulsion per month and is based on AEL's modular design concept. It will play an important role in the expansion of open cast operations at Tarkwa as the mine begins a ‘cut back' in waste to expose ore body extensions.

Glyn Rees, managing director of AEGL said: “The extension of our previous four year contract with Gold Fields was based on past performance, as well as our undertaking to establish a dedicated bulk emulsion plant on the Tarkwa site. The mine needs to guarantee the supply of bulk explosive raw materials at a time when commodity scarcity is a reality, and transport and national infrastructure a logistical challenge."

AEGL's onsite team comprises of 60 personnel responsible for the seamless interface of the plant with the mine on a 24/7 basis. Seven mobile manufacturing units are utilised to deliver the products down-the-hole and are solely dedicated to the Gold Fields operation.