Thursday, March 31, 2011

Newmont’s Akyem mine gets approval

The board of Newmont Mining Corporation has approved funding for its estimated 7.2 million ounces equity reserves, located in Akyem, in the Ajenua Bepo Forest in the Eastern Region, expected to start in early 2013.

Adiki Ofeibea Ayitevie, Regional Manager Communications of Newmont, told B&FT: “The approval of the funding would facilitate the awarding of critical mining contracts, purchasing of equipment and continuing the settlement of compensation.

“Newmont has so far concluded negotiations with communities and has started payment of compensation to displaced parties.

“More than 1,700 households are expected to be paid compensation for loss of immovable structures and farmlands. Out of that, about 300 households will be resettled - and so far 80 percent have been paid crop compensation.”

The project has about 15 years mining life and is expected to produce between 480, 000 and 550,000 ounces of gold annually for the first five years of its operation.

Initial capital cost is estimated at between US$700 million and US$1billion.

The Board has cleared Akyem through the fourth-stage gate in Newmont’s four-gate project review process, which roughly equates to bankable feasibility approval.

The company expects Akyem to add to its production base and payrolls while exhibiting leadership in safety, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Newmont views its Africa region as a growth-engine for the company, and the Board’s decision on Akyem reflects confidence in building on its successes in Ghana.

Newmont’s Ahafo Mine and Akyem Project together have approximately 17.4 million equity ounces of proven and probable gold reserves - representing about 20 percent of Newmont’s global equity reserves of 86.5 million ounces of gold as at the end of the 2008.

The Ahafo mine poured its first gold in 2006 and commenced commercial production in the same year. Ahafo sold 202,000 ounces of gold in 2006 and was expected to produce between 410,000 and 450,000 ounces of gold in 2007 as the mine entered its first full year of production.

It currently produces about 500,000 ounces of gold annually from its three mining pits, which also have 15 years of mine life.

Newmont purchased both the Ahafo and the Akyem projects as part of the Normandy Mining acquisition in February of 2002.

The company said it will continue to partner with its key stakeholders including local communities, local government, traditional authorities and local businesses to create shared value through jobs, workforce training and economic and social development in the areas around the project.

Newmont has recently been granted a mining lease and environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency to commence the Akyem project, and engineering for the project is about 70 percent complete, Ayitevi said.

“Following completion of further economic and power analysis to ensure sustainability, the project will advance to its next phase of development which will involve the building of the mining plant to pave way for the full-scale mining production,” she said.

“We are still engaged with the community to determine appropriate compensation. We are also undertaking a rapid access survey to help determine the real custodians of the land. It’s going to be to be a continuous process.”

Mrs. Ayitevie indicated that the company’s commitment to its social responsibility at the Akyem project has been studied extensively by international and national environmental experts, members of the communities living in the area, and by agencies and departments of government.

The Akyem project has for the past five years, been subject to a thorough environmental impact study, public consultation process and an independent review process.

“Newmont’s industry leading performance is reflected through Newmont Ghana’s high standards in environmental management, health and safety and creating value and opportunity for its host communities.

“In implementing our commitment, the company assures all individuals with farms and immovable properties, which have or will be impacted by our Akyem Project, that they will be duly compensated consistent with the express provisions in the Minerals and Mining Law and relevant provisions in the Constitution of Ghana.

“This will ensure that conflict at the mining community is minimised and also position the company as good corporate citizens,” Ayitevie stated.

Access Bank to merge with Intercontinental

Nigeria's Access Bank says it will merge with local peer Intercontinental Bank, one of nine lenders rescued in a US$4billion central bank bailout 18 months ago.

The two have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purpose of business combination of both institutions, which will result in the emergence of one of Africa's largest financial institutions.

The MOU signing follows the completion of a competitive, rigorous and transparent selection process and the approval of the Board of Directors of both banks.

In accordance with international best practices, the process will be subject to necessary shareholder, regulatory and judicial approvals.

When reached for his comment, the MD for Access Bank (Ghana) Ltd, Yomi Akapo, explained: “The MOU announcement is a declaration of intent by both banks to combine their businesses. In transactions of this nature, there are processes and key steps that will necessarily follow an MOU signing. There are several regulatory, and shareholder approvals that must be obtained, and we will communicate further periodically as the process progresses.”

Access Bank Chief Executive, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the two institutions are a perfect match but gave no details on the terms of the deal, which still needs approval from the central bank and Securities and Exchange Commission.

"These are two organisations that share potential synergies and are very complimentary in terms of what is strong in one is not strong in the other," Aig-Imoukhuede said.

"This is an ideal ground for a value-adding business combination," he said.

The combination of Access Bank Plc and Intercontinental Bank Plc is of systemic importance and safeguards a significant degree of capacity in the Nigerian banking sector that would otherwise be lost in the event of non-resolution of any of the rescued banks, said a statement jointly issued by the two banks.

Critically, the Transaction provides a safe harbour for the depositors of Intercontinental Bank Plc and the seamless continuation of banking services to Intercontinental Bank's considerable customer base.

The resulting footprint of the combined entity and its increased access to low-cost deposits combined with Access's recognised competence in commercial banking, robust balance sheet and proven track-record, supported by a culture of strong corporate governance and risk management, will create a market-leading platform from which the combined entity can capitalise on growth opportunities.

The business combination will offer unique opportunities for both institutions. The Retail banking operations of Intercontinental Bank coupled with the Wholesale and Commercial banking strength of Access Bank offers a high degree of synergy and complementarity that is unique in the Nigerian banking environment.

The synergy from combining the two banks will therefore create a formidable competitor with scale to rival the top banks in the industry.


Access Bank Plc continues to be a remarkable story of transformation and phenomenal accomplishment considering its antecedents. The Bank has through a combination of inorganic and organic growth spread its tentacles and consolidated its footing on the Nigerian banking landscape over the last 10 years, to rank among the top-10 Banks in the Nigerian banking industry.

After taking over the Old Access Bank in the year 2001, Access Bank Plc acquired Marina Bank and Capital Bank (the former Commercial Bank (Crédit Lyonnais Nigeria)) by merger to increase its coverage in Nigeria. In 2006, the Bank began an intelligent expansion in 8 other countries across sub-Saharan Africa’s three monetary zones (WAMZ, SADC and UEMOA) which saw acquisitions in Omnifinance Bank, Banque Privée du Congo and Bancor SA in Rwanda among others.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Access Bank has taken advantage of the current inorganic growth opportunities to create a combined entity that will rank in the Top 3 in the Nigerian banking sector by Gross Earnings and Total Assets.

The combined entity is also expected to capitalise on growth opportunities across the markets in which the Bank operates, resulting in a formidable competitor to other African tier-one banks.

Intercontinental was established in 1989 as a pure merchant bank and converted to commercial banking just over a decade later. It grew to become a major player in sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest economy, at one point being the country's largest bank by Tier 1 capital.

At the end of last year, its shares were 86 percent free float and 14 percent held by the directors.

Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi praised for the 2009 bailout and efforts to sanitise the banking system, which was dangerously close to collapse.

The removal of several bank chiefs - including former Intercontinental chief executive, Erastus Akingbola, for lax oversight and reckless lending - sent shockwaves through a corporate elite that had grown used to impunity.

Intercontinental is the second of the rescued lenders to announce an agreement with new investors after Union Bank said late on Tuesday it had agreed a US$750million deal with a consortium led by African Capital Alliance private equity firm.

Rescued lenders Afribank, Bank PHB, Finbank and Oceanic Bank have also held talks with potential investors in recent months.

Source: B&FT

Marketers urged to improve competence

Ghanaian Marketers and entrepreneurs have been urged to position and prepare adequately for multinational investors, as the country is continuously viewed as a stable haven and a place to do business, Alhaji Ibrahim Awal, CEO of Chase Petroleum, has said.

“Marketers and entrepreneurs must improve business competence and be ready to take advantage of the peaceful democratic business environment and partner investors who will be in the county to commence business operation.

“This would not only promote job-creation, but would position the country as a place in the sub-region - attracting huge investment due to superior business delivery,” he stated.

Awal, the 2009 Marketing Man of the Year, said this to business executives, marketing professionals, government officials and entrepreneurs in Accra at the launch of the 22nd Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) 2010 Awards, slated for July 23, 2011.

Making a presentation under the topic ‘Entrepreneurial Marketing-Tool for Repositioning’, he said: “In today’s competitive environment, those who are entrepreneurs understand the marketing concepts which companies have used over the years to sell their products and services.

“A successful entrepreneur understands and appreciates the blend of products, place, promotion and product strategies that will produce a satisfying exchange with the target market.”

Mrs. Josepine Okutu, National President of CIMG, explained that the awards over the years have contributed significantly in promoting sound human and corporate marketing performance - apart from the euphoria that the event has generated.

She stated that the CIMG awards is an event that corporate Ghana has been looking forward to on yearly basis because it serves as one of the critical benchmarks by which these groups measure their performances.

“It is this expectation from stakeholders that has been the catalyst spurring us on to come out with themes and criteria that are relevant and beneficial to corporate Ghana.

“The theme for the awards has been carefully chosen to acknowledge local industry consisting of indigenous people, who are contributing significantly to the growth of the country’s economy.”

Shola Safo-Duodu, Head, Corporate Affairs Barclays Bank Ghana, and Chairperson of the 2010 Awards Planning Committee, indicated that the ceremony will seek to encourage and empower local businesses and entrepreneurs to develop and compete globally.

The awards to cover 31 categories will include four personality awards, three Hall of Fame awards, seven media awards, one not-for-profit organisation award, 14 business awards and two product awards.

The awards selection bodies will be working closely with the governing council of CIMG, Association of Ghana Industries, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Tourism and reputable research organisations.

Vodafone launches Healthline initiative

Vodafone Ghana has launched a new initiative, ‘Healthline’, aimed at educating, empowering and informing Ghanaians about pertinent health issues.

The initiative will use qualified medical experts to offer advice on pertinent health-related issues to Ghanaians in all the ten regions of the country.

The project, which takes the form of a television and radio show, will embark on a project to solicit basic health questions from Ghanaians which are to be answered by medical doctors.

Carmen Bruce-Annan, Head of Corporate Communications Vodafone Ghana, at a media interaction in Accra said: “It is sustainable because we want to empower people to think differently about their health, and that cannot be done in thirteen weeks.

“We want people to think differently and be passionate about their health by having the facts on issues that concern their health.

“We picked health because it affects everybody; including the rich and the poor, illiterate or literate.

“Regardless of your status, your life can be enriched and you can be empowered by having the right information about your health,” she said.

“We’ve embarked on this initiative because we want to change people’s approach to issues concerning their health, by empowering Ghanaians with knowledge and information about health issues. The project will ultimately educate the public and demystify health-related issues and practices,” Bruce-Annan said.

Galaxy Oil launches Rymco lubricants

Dr. Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Chamber of Mines, has officially launched Rymco lubricant for the country’s downstream petroleum market.

“Rymco lubricants are expected to play a critical role in the mining industry, where 40 percent of capital is spent on maintenance to lubricate equipment to minimise friction.

“The Chamber of Mines and its members are also concerned about the environmental hazards associated with the disposal of lubricants, and has instituted mechanisms to ensure proper disposal of containers to protect the environment.”

Dr. Aryee told this to participants comprising technical experts, mechanics, players in the marine and mining industries, and automobile dealers among others at the official launch of the products in Accra.

Rymco lubricant is manufactured in Holland by VPS International and distributed by Lubes Engineering and Marketing Limited, a subsidiary of Galaxy Oil Ghana Limited - a major player in the lubricant-distribution sector in the country.

Mr. Erik Vermeer, Export Manger of VPS International, explained that top-quality materials are used to produce Rymco with the users in mind.

“Rymco lubricants have been specifically selected to suit the country’s conditions. The product includes automotive engine oil, automotive transmission and gear oil, industrial oil for hydraulic systems and gears, marine lubricants and specialty oil for mining, construction, power, and energy equipment.

“Until recently, the lubricant-distribution sector was the preserve of transnational oil marketing companies such as Texaco and BP among others, but a vacuum was left after most of these companies withdrew their services,” Mr. Vermeer said.

Mr. Emmanuel Dadson, General Manager, Lubes Engineering and Marketing Company Limited, said: “The Company will not just sell the products to customers but make use of technical expertise to help select grades that provide functional and emotional benefits.

“We shall offer after-sales visits and train technical staff of our customers to apply the lubricant in a most-efficient manner in order to promote profitability.”

He assured that Rymco lubricants will protect any kind of equipment or engine if properly applied, stressing that the company will ensure reliable supply to customers by using the forecourts of Galaxy Oil, independent suppliers and direct distribution.

Rymco lubricant is approved by international specification authorities such as the International Standards Organisation (ISO), American Petroleum Institute, and Society of Automotive Engineers. It is also recognised in over 60 countries for its quality and high performance.

Atlas Copco unveils powercrusher

Atlas Copco Ghana Limited has officially unveiled its mobile power-crushing range of equipment for the country’s quarrying, mining and the construction sectors.

The equipment - Powercrusher jaw crusher, impact crusher and screen box - has been robustly manufactured and designed to stand up to the toughest conditions with huge output capacities.

It has excellent quality of end-products due to the efficiency of the fines removal and also the ability to process difficult in-feed materials because of its feeder. It has, as well, excellent transport dimensions for optimised mobility, higher capacity and consistent wearing over the entire jaw faces.

“Years of valuable customer input have allowed for the optimisation of these impact units, James Cammock, Regional Product Manager, Powercrusher-West Africa told stakeholders from construction, mining and the quarry sectors in Accra at the ceremony to officially launch the products.

The programme afforded the company an opportunity to interact and share experiences with its customers, to further improve product delivery to customers in the country and within the sub-region.

“From 1992 to date, Atlas Copco Ghana has contributed to the local mining and construction industry with world-class products and services, ranging from compressed air and gas equipment, generators to heavy duty construction and mining equipment.

“Atlas Copco Ghana Limited remains committed to superior productivity in these sectors.”

He said: “Customers will now benefit from having the same supplier for drill rigs, breakers, road construction equipment as well as mobile crushers and screeners; this makes us a complete partner.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with a world-leading position in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems.

The group delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and service.

Founded in 1873, the company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries.