Resolute Mining has introduced wireless blasting at the Syama gold mine in Mali through Orica’s WebGen system.
The WebGen system replaces traditional blasting requirements, including down-lines and surface connecting wires.
It instead sends commands wirelessly to provide safer and reliable blasts without re-entering high-risk zones.
Syama mine managing director and general manager Mohamed Cisse welcomed the milestone.
“This milestone exemplifies our business values, specifically the adoption of new methods, systems and technology to improve safety and performance,” he said.
Resolute has planned to introduce WebGen across its underground operations and will assist the company in turning Syama into an automated mine.
The company expects WebGen will enhance efficiencies in Syama’s production cycle, including enhanced cave flow performance and ore recovery.
Resolute stated WebGen will prevent the consequences of hole dislocation and redrilling.
Orica president Europe Middle East and Africa Tom Schutte said the software will unlock further value for Resolute.
“We are grateful to Resolute for their long-term cooperation in achieving this milestone,” he said.
“Our latest technologies, including WebGen, will create value for Resolute by enabling Syama mine to eliminate exposure of personnel in higher risk areas through safer pre-charging practices.”
Resolute has an 80 per cent interest in the Syama gold mine alongside Société des Mines de Syama S.A. (SOMISY). The Government of Mali has a 20 per cent interest in SOMISY.
Syama contains two separate processing plants including a 2.4-million-tonne-per-annum sulphide processing circuit and a 1.5 million-tonne-per-annum oxide processing circuit.
Mining commenced during the September 2018 quarter, with the site containing a 14-year mine life.
