In 2024, our team has made significant strides in the Obuasi Mine AGA Phase 3 project, achieving key milestones that enhance operational efficiency and safety. From infrastructure upgrades to critical shaft works, our commitment to excellence has driven impactful results. This article highlights the major achievements and contributions of our dedicated team in advancing this crucial phase of the project.
Auxiliary Works (Surface)
An auxiliary fabrication team was set up in our workshops in Obuasi to complement the works of the In-Shaft team. The Fabrication Section played a crucial role in providing all necessary materials for the project. This section was responsible for ensuring that the required components were fabricated and ready for installation, enabling smooth operations throughout the other project areas.
Shaft Works
KMS Shaft activities involved several important tasks to improve both functionality and safety. Multiple cables, including beltronic, telephone, and signal cables, were successfully run in the shaft. Additionally, a compressed air pipe was decommissioned from the surface to the 50-level underground, and conveyor belts on the surface were removed.
New installations included conveyor outlets, roofing, new belts, and gratings on beams. Radar boards, roofs, and chutes were also replaced, while modifications were made to the 2-transfer chute to improve material transfer. Scapes and Hardox linings were replaced to ensure optimal performance.
The Shaft Section saw the fabrication and installation of new brackets for 9m pipes, extending from the 44 level to the surface and from the surface to the STP for treatment. Underground pipes were extended further from the 44 to the 50 level, and Station King post were replaced. Cranes and beams were used to offload materials from trucks, while the screen between the man-riding cage and the skip was replaced. Pipes at the 44, 43, and 29 levels were extended to water storage tanks, contributing to more efficient water management.
The Blacks Vent Shaft, which handles foul air, was water blasted, and the impeller was replaced and commissioned. Our team also provided heavy-duty mechanical support, including dewatering services, and replaced the man shaft cage for improved safety. A jack catch was fabricated and installed for the headgear at KMS to enhance the skip operations of the sheave wheel.
Key renovations and installations included work on the 43 Crusher Plant, where several parts were replaced, and the conveyor structure was upgraded. At the 44 level, chutes, vibrators and conveyors were replaced. Additionally, diverters, loading flasks and the transfer chutes at the 44 and 51 levels were replaced, and the Wabby Chute at the 41 level was renovated and repositioned.
In addition to these projects MAC Partners handled projects such as warehouse roofing, and KMVS vent plant installation among others.
The successful completion of these tasks was made possible by a dedicated team, with over 90 personnel from the Construction, Shaft, Dewatering, and Heavy-Duty Maintenance Teams contributing their expertise and hard work. As we look forward to the new year, we are proud of the progress made in this phase and remain committed to delivering excellence in all our projects. While we continue to make strides in other projects, we are especially excited about the achievements in Obuasi and thank all the teams involved for their dedication and outstanding contributions
