Resolute Mining has commissioned wireless blasting at the Syama gold mine in Mali to improve site safety.
The company has introduced Orica’s WebGen system to enable the blasting.
The system can send wireless blasting commands to prevent workers from entering high-risk areas.
WebGen replaces down-lines and surface connecting wires used in traditional blasting methods.
Orica president Europe Middle East and Africa Tom Schutte said the software will add further value to Resolute due to its safety benefits.
“Our latest technologies, including WebGen, will create value for Resolute by enabling Syama mine to eliminate exposure of personnel in higher risk areas through safer pre-charging practices,” he said.
Resolute owns an 80 per cent interest in the Syama gold mine with Société des Mines de Syama S.A. (SOMISY). The Government of Mali has a 20 per cent interest in SOMISY.
Resolute stated it will introduce WebGen at its underground operations, with the system helping the company push toward automated mining.
Syama has two separate processing plants including a 2.4-million-tonne-per-annum sulphide processing circuit and a 1.5 million-tonne-per-annum oxide processing circuit.
The site has a 14-year mine life and commenced mining in the September 2018 quarter.
Syama mine managing director and general manager Mohamed Cisse welcomed the addition.
“This milestone exemplifies our business values,” he said. “Specifically the adoption of new methods, systems and technology to improve safety and performance.
The wireless blasting technology will also support Resolute’s goal of being a low-cost gold producer.