It has been a long time coming, but Tolu Minerals’ Tolukuma gold mine in Central Province has just gained access to its first-ever road for vehicular traffic.
The new Tolukuma-Bakoiudu road, which broke through to the site last week, promises to significantly reduce costs for the mining operation. Up until this point and across multiple owners, the mine has relied on helicopter transport for its logistics.
Tolukuma was discovered in 1986, and developed as an operating mine by Newmont in 1995.
It operated until 2015 when the high operating costs, in part due to the lack of road access, proved unsustainable. Tolu Minerals bought the mine and associated permits and land holdings in September 2022.
The company said the road would reduce its mine operating costs by as much as 75 per cent. The new road will also open up access to a number of potential exploration prospects contained within the Tolukuma licence area.
There are also significant benefits for local communities. Health and education services, as well as employment opportunities and produce markets, are all much more accessible for communities within reach of the 70 km road.
Tolu Minerals managing director and chief executive officer Iain Macpherson said the road was a vital milestone in the development of the mine and the region.
“The significance of the new roadway service to the Tolukuma Gold Mine cannot be underestimated in terms of the benefits brought to the company through enhanced and efficient access to the mining, exploration and services infrastructure,” he said.
“Furthermore, the road opens up better access to nearly 1300 square km of minerals exploration licences and licence application areas across the broader Tolukuma structure.”
Works are continuing as the company brings the road up to a required standard.
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