• Galiano Gold suspends Esaase pit after local-military clash
• Abore pit, processing plant remain operational amid investigation
• Esaase key to 2025 output; no change to production forecast

Galiano Gold has suspended operations at the Esaase pit, which, along with the Abore pit, is part of the Asanko Gold Mine in Ghana. The Canadian mining company announced the suspension on Tuesday, citing an incident that recently occurred on its concessions. The duration of the suspension was not specified, raising questions about the potential impact on the mine's production.

"The incident involved a confrontation between community members and military personnel on the Company's operating concessions in the Amansie South District of Ghana. [...] Operations at the Esaase deposit have been temporarily suspended, while operations at the Abore deposit and processing plant are unaffected. The Company will provide further updates once investigations are complete," Galiano Gold stated in a press release.

The Esaase pit, which began production earlier this year, was expected to be the main driver of increased output at Asanko in 2025. Galiano's annual production forecast for the mine is between 130,000 and 150,000 ounces of gold, up from 115,115 ounces delivered in 2024. The mine produced a total of 51,084 ounces in the first half of the year.

Despite the halt in activity, the company has not adjusted its production targets. Further updates are awaited to learn more about the incident and its potential consequences on the mine's performance. The Ghanaian government holds a 10% stake in Asanko, while Galiano holds 90%.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou