MOVERS & SHAKERS IN AFRICA | MALI & GHANA Resolute Mining Carving out a grand new reputation 2015 will represent a milestone year of transition for ASX-listed gold miner Resolute Mining as its regional focus and production profile expands and changes direction. This will primarily be the result of a new oxide processing plant at its flagship Syama open pit gold mine in Mali. The recent acquisition of Bibiani in Ghana also sees the company’s African geographic focus shift entirely to West Africa CEO, Peter Sullivan tells Laura Cornish. IN SHORT A new plant at Syama, coupled with the onset of new production ounces from Bibiani down the line, will elevate Resolute Mining’s gold status to new levels over the next few years. S ituated in the south of Mali, approximately 30 km from the Côte d’Ivoire border and 300 km southeast of the capital Bamako, Syama is undoubtedly Resolute Mining’s flagship operation. It is currently the largest gold producer in the stable and will soon welcome the addition of a new oxide plant which will Syama pit stage 2 cut back 20 MINING REVIEW AFRICA ISSUE 8 2014 ultimately result in even high tonnages and ounces. Early stage investigation has also begun on determining its underground potential, which will ensure its lifespan stretches at least another 15 years and possibly longer. Progress and development at Syama comprises only one arm of Resolute Mining’s business plan moving forward, however. To compensate for the closure of its Golden Pride operation in Tanzania at the end of 2013, the company has brought a new asset into the stable – Bibiani. Although acquired under care and maintenance, the plan is to resume production within a few years and return the company’s operating mine asset base to three. (Resolute Mining also owns the Ravenswood gold mine in Western Australia.) The combined production between Syama and Ravenswood alone is sufficient to ensure Resolute Mining