Environmental impact of surface mining at BBGL

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Date
1996-07-14
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Abstract
Concomitant with the favourable investment climate created by the government of Ghana for the mining industry, there has been a significant increase in surface mining activities in the country. The intensified mining activities, however, have their environmental implications which are a matter of concern to both the inhabitants of the mining towns and villages and the government. Billiton Bogosu Gold Limited (BBGL) is one of the newly established surface mines in the tropical rainfall belt of West Africa, within the Western Region of Ghana. The concession of BBGL lies close to the township of Bogoso. The gold bearing ore deposit is of both the suiphide and oxide types. Environmental issues associated with mining and processing of such ores are well known. Daily production of ore and waste is presently about 21,000 tonnes. The plant has the capacity to process approximately 190 tph of oxide ore or 150 tph of suiphide ore. Since the start of production in Nov. ‘92 to the end of Dec. ‘94, the mine has produced 3,004.4 kt of ore and 13,428.5 kt of waste. The company produces about 9,500 oz of gold/month. This research work analyses the socio-economic aspect of the surrounding area to determine how the mine impacts on the inhabitants of the local community with respect to standard of living, farming, hunting, water management, etc. It also highlights techniques employed by the mine to minimise contamination of surface and ground waters and the method used to reduce air pollution of gasses from roasting. The results show that the impact on surface and ground water, particularly from arsenic and cyanides, are within acceptable limits. However, mine pit suiphide waste management practice needs critical attention to forestall a future Acid Mine Drainage problem. Useful suggestions have been offered through analysis to guide the company in the management of the deposit to optimise production and minimise environmental impact.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Mining Engineering, 1996
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