(Ecofin Agency) - The Canadian mining company SEMAFO, announced that last week, Boungou mine, in Burkina Faso, achieved commercial production. This was achieved on September 1, 2018, when the operations reached 30 consecutive days of commercial production at 75% of the mine’s nominal capacity (4,000 tons daily).  

During the 30 days, the company processed more than 90,000 tons of ore with an average of 2.4g/t and 83% recovery rate.

"During the period, the mill mainly processed lower grade ore sourced from the east pit. However, as the process was being optimized, higher grade ore was introduced and a recovery rate of more than 93% was reached at the end of the period",  the company explains in a press release.

Boungou mine produced its first gold bullion at the end of June 2018. With the commercial production phase achieved now, it would produce between 60,000 and 70,000 ounces of gold this year.

Louis-Nino Kansoun