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Submitted
July 5, 2023
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March 28, 2024
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Abstract

The outbreak of pandemics has dire consequences on businesses, industries and economies. The resulting ill-health and natural panic of the workforce tend to impact production levels, yet serious businesses such as mining ventures, must strive to make profit. To achieve objectives, businesses must put in measures to remain afloat. In this study, measures implemented by Chirano Gold Mines Limited (CGML) during Covid-19 were examined. Secondary production data spanning from 2019 to 2021 was used to appraise the performance of the mine in maintaining production levels in underground operations during the surge of the pandemic by using field visits and the administration of questionnaires. The data analysis showed that in 2020, 98.23 % and 72.72 % of the target for production and development, respectively, were met; also, 72.95 % and 92.61 % of the blasting target and ore tonnes mined were achieved respectively. Among the three years, 2020 had the highest ore production tonnage, with June recording the least value and October recording the highest value. The study found that education, effective communication of Covid-19 protocols, and the use of working shift manoeuvres were key in achieving the targets. 

Keywords

Production Levels COVID-19 Development Drilling Blasted Ore Tonnes Underground Mining Operations Pandemics

Article Details

Author Biographies

Richard Gyebuni, University of Mines and Technology, Department of Mining Engineering, Tarkwa, Ghana

Richard Gyebuni is a lecturer and a PhD candidate at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana. He holds the degrees of MPhil and BSc from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, respectively. His research interest includes Mine Planning and Design, Mineral Project Evaluation, Mine Feasibility Studies, Mine Management, Corporate Social Responsibility Management and Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Studies.

 

Afia Dufie Kwarteng Forkuoh, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited, Mine Technical Service Department, Obuasi Mine, Ghana

Afia Dufie Kwarteng Forkuoh currently serves as a National Service Personnel within the Mine Technical Service Department at AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited, Obuasi Mine. She is a distinguished alumna of the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, where she attained her Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering. Her research pursuits are focused on, but not limited to, Materials Handling, Mine Planning and Design, and the application of innovative Mine Drilling and Blasting Technologies.

 

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