OSLO, NORWAY: Akobo Minerals has performed a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for its Segele mine in Ethiopia. This marks the start of the company’s next phase towards mining and gold production.
Initial production is expected to commence by the end of 2022, ramping-up into 2023. Once fully operational, the company estimates an annual production at Segele of around 45,000 ounces of gold. Over time, this can increase depending on future discoveries and upgrades of the processing plant.
Akobo Minerals’ long-term goal is the discovery of 1.5- 2 million ounces of gold. According to the JORC standard that the company reports by, the company can only state the estimated volume, and not the possible sales value of the gold. At the current moment gold trades around 1,970 USD per ounce.
Present at the ceremony were Minister of Mining, Takele Uma, President of the Gambella region, Omod Ojulu, members of parliament and other representatives from the Gambella regions, as well as staff and friends.
The significant attendance shows solid local and national support for the project and, along with the company, they have high expectations for the great success of the project.
In his speech at the ceremony, Jørgen Evjen, CEO of Akobo Minerals, said: “I feel honoured, privileged and proud to be here today. Honoured to see you all here participating in this ceremony; privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Akobo Minerals for so many years; and proud of everything we have achieved.
I am particularly pleased with the efforts of our staff and supporters who have made this possible. It has not always been easy, but we have never given up. We listen, we find solutions, we take action and we set goals. We have created relationships, but also partnerships. We believe in a local and national presence.”
He added: “We adhere to international standards and ethics at all times, and we aim to become the leading exploration and mining company in Ethiopia in the coming years. This is just the beginning for us. And last, but not least, I want to convey special thanks to the Minister of Mining, Takele Uma, for his leadership, visions and faith in the project.”
With the support and cooperation of the government and local authorities, good progress is being made. Akobo Minerals has long stated that it is moving from a pure exploration company to commencing mining. The latest reports leave little doubt that there will now be a significant mining in Segele for Akobo Minerals in the near future.
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