Thursday, 7th October 2004 (2554 views)

The Samira Gold Mine in West Africa has been officially opened this week, in a significant event for the State of Niger.

It is hoped that the site will produce 618,000 ounces of gold in its 6.3 years of operation and marks the first commercial gold production for the country.

Semafo Inc and Etruscan Resources both have shares in the mine, 40 per cent owned by each and 20 per cent owned by the state.

Benoit La Salle President of Semafo and Gerry McConnell, President & CEO of Etruscan commented: "The official opening of the Samira Hill Gold Mine marks a significant step forward for our companies, in their efforts to establish themselves as substantial gold producers in West Africa."

The ceremony was attended by important members of the area, including the minister of Mines and Energy and the president of Niger.

Samira Hill, where the mine is situated, is thought to be one of a number of gold deposits in a region that is now being named as the 'Samira Horizon'.

 

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