The sixteenth edition of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Gold Mine thanksgiving service has been observed at the premises of the Mine in Tarkwa with a call on employees and management to appreciate God in the operational activities of the mine at all times.
Delivering the sermon at the event, Associate Minister for the District Supervising Minister of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Judah Temple Tarkwa, Pastor John C.K Otoo admonished all present to bring God first in all they do.
He preached on the topic “Where is the exalted LORD in this?” from the theme “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.” (Psalm 99:9 KJV). Pastor Otoo commended management of the mine for instituting a day to offer praise and thanksgiving to the good LORD for bringing the mine to its current state.
“Let us continually be thankful to God as a people throughout the changing scenes of life because his mercies endureth forever,” he encouraged.
In a speech read on behalf of the Western Regional Minister, a Deputy Director at the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council Madam Dalphene Nyargorme said the mine has partnered government in its developmental agenda especially in the mine’s host communities with the provision of sustainable social, educational infrastructure and the numerous water and sanitary projects.
“Government needs the support of all stakeholders particularly chiefs in mining communities to ensure that illegal mining is curbed, adding that its effect on the environment is alarming”. She therefore called on all to help in government’s fight against illegal mining.
Taking stakeholders and business partners through the operational highlights of the Mine, Managing Director of the Mine, Jasper Musadaidzwa said the mine was confronted with its fair share of industry challenges but through good management practices, the mine overcame them.
“ It is a year in which we also tested our business and sailed very close to the limits. We had a good number of unbudgeted stoppages – five days stoppage on mills in February; and 14 days on Primary Crusher in September. Despite these challenges, it is noteworthy to mention that 2017 gold production is the highest the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) plant has produced since the plant was commissioned in 1992”.
This year’s thanksgiving attracted a large cross section of stakeholders namely, the government institutions, traditional leaders, the clergy, academia, media, AngloGold Ashanti employees and their dependents, church choirs from Tarkwa Crusaders Carol and ICGC Judah Temple praise team, host community members among others who were entertained to praise and carol music.
