FEATURE
BME has maintained supply security and technical assistance through these challenging times , while ensuring safety remains top of mind .
Mining in West Africa steams ahead despite pandemic
With some the world ’ s highest
gold grades , the West African mining sector is generally producing well even under Covid-19 conditions – and are relying on explosives companies to maintain supply security and technical assistance through these challenging times .
According to Michael Klaasen – General Manager of West African Operations at explosives and blasting global leader BME , a member of the Omnia group – the Covid-19 pandemic has had minimal effect on its mining clients ’ production from a blasting perspective .
“ Most mine sites are locked down , with access limited to only certain essential deliveries ,” said Klaasen . “ Some mines were considering reducing production in the event of a shortage of raw materials , but BME has managed to keep clients blasting during this time with sufficient stocks , continued deliveries and dedicated personnel on sites .”
Borders between countries have remained open to cargo , allowing
Michael Klaasen – General Manager of West African Operations
BME ’ s supplies to reach customer sites in Mauritania , Mali , Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso . Goods and raw materials are shipped into Nouakchott in Mauritania , into Dakar in Senegal and into Tema or Takoradi in Ghana . “ Our cross-border channels have allowed
BME to keep three months of stock on site , in line with customer ’ s expectations ,” he said . A number of BME technical personnel have remained on mine sites around the region since the start of the lockdowns in the different countries . In some cases , these personnel have even been able to stand in for mine blasting staff , to ensure that blasting takes place safely .
He said BME has applied all the necessary Covid-19 measures required – in line with its own health and safety protocols as well as the customer ’ s policies and the national regulations for that country . “ This generally includes the wearing of face masks , the use of sanitisers , regular temperature checks and ensuring social distancing ,” he said .
“ Our emulsion trucks are also sanitised before entering mine sites to reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus .” In addition to supplying emulsion explosives and electronic detonation systems , BME has also assisted customers in West Africa with blast design using its BLASTMAP software .
12 www . fmdrc-Zambia . com