Epiroc Secures £12 Million Mining Equipment Order for Ghana’s Chirano Gold Mine

Epiroc's Major Equipment Order for Ghana's Chirano Gold Mine: Strategic Impact and Technology Analysis

Epiroc AB has secured a significant US$12 million order from Canadian mining company Asante Gold Corporation for advanced mining equipment and digital solutions destined for the Chirano Gold Mine in southwestern Ghana. This substantial investment represents a major technological upgrade for the mining operation, which combines both underground and open-pit extraction methods.

Core Equipment Package Components

The comprehensive equipment fleet includes several key machine categories designed to modernize operations at the Ghanaian gold mine:

• Minetruck MT65 S haulers – Heavy-duty underground trucks engineered for efficient ore transportation

• Scooptram ST18 S loaders – Advanced material handling equipment for underground operations

• Boomer M20 S face drilling rigs – Specialized equipment for development drilling

• Simba E70 S production drilling rigs – Precision drilling systems for operational extraction

All equipment belongs to Epiroc's Smart series, featuring automation-ready technology that enables future technological enhancements and operational upgrades as mining requirements evolve.

How Will Digital Solutions Transform Mining Operations at Chirano?

Beyond physical equipment, the order includes sophisticated digital mining operations designed to revolutionize operational awareness and efficiency at the Ghanaian gold mine.

Digital Situational Awareness Platform

The integrated digital solution provides comprehensive operational visibility through:

• Real-time performance tracking of all connected equipment

• Production data monitoring including tonnage moved and cycle times

• Drilling metrics analysis with detailed measurement of meters drilled

• Safety enhancement features through improved operational awareness

• Efficiency optimization tools that identify bottlenecks and improvement areas

This digital ecosystem represents a significant advancement in mining technology deployment in West Africa, positioning the Chirano operation at the forefront of digitally-enhanced mining.

What Makes This Equipment Order Strategically Important for Ghana's Mining Sector?

Regional Mining Technology Advancement

The substantial investment in advanced mining equipment highlights several important trends in Ghana's evolving gold mining landscape:

• Technological modernization of established mining operations

• Shift toward automation-ready systems that can evolve with operational needs

• Enhanced safety protocols through improved equipment and monitoring

• Productivity improvements via digital integration and equipment upgrades

• Sustainable mining practices through more efficient resource extraction

Economic Impact on Ghana's Mining Industry

This Epiroc Ghana mining equipment order represents more than just an operational upgrade – it signals broader economic implications:

When Will Equipment Deployment Begin at the Chirano Gold Mine?

The delivery timeline for this substantial equipment order follows a structured implementation schedule:

Phased Deployment Approach

• Initial deliveries commenced in Q3 2025

• Continued implementation scheduled over subsequent months

• Integration with existing operations to minimize production disruptions

• Training and capability development for local operators

• Full operational capacity expected following complete deployment

This phased approach allows for methodical integration of the new equipment while maintaining ongoing production at the combined underground and open-pit gold mining operation.

How Does Epiroc's Support Structure Enhance Long-Term Operational Success?

Beyond the initial equipment delivery, Epiroc's commitment includes comprehensive operational support mechanisms designed to ensure sustainable performance.

Comprehensive Support Package

The extended support structure includes:

• Specialized tooling for maintenance and repairs

• Spare parts inventory to minimize downtime

• Technical service support for operational challenges

• Training programs for local operators and maintenance personnel

• Ongoing consultation for optimization and efficiency improvements

This holistic approach to equipment deployment demonstrates a commitment to long-term operational success rather than simply delivering hardware.

What Are the Technical Specifications of Epiroc's Smart Series Equipment?

Minetruck MT65 S Haulers

• Payload capacity: Approximately 65 tonnes

• Power system: High-efficiency diesel engine

• Automation readiness: Pre-equipped for autonomous operation

• Safety features: Enhanced operator visibility and protection systems

• Digital integration: Connected to mine-wide monitoring systems

Scooptram ST18 S Loaders

• Bucket capacity: Approximately 18 tonnes

• Articulated design: For maneuverability in underground environments

• Automation compatibility: Ready for semi-autonomous or remote operation

• Operator ergonomics: Enhanced cabin design for reduced fatigue

• Monitoring systems: Real-time performance tracking and diagnostics

Drilling Equipment Capabilities

Both the Boomer M20 S and Simba E70 S drilling systems feature:

• Precision drilling control: Advanced computerized systems for accuracy

• Automation potential: Prepared for AI in drilling and blasting operations

• Digital logging: Detailed recording of drilling parameters and performance

• Reduced vibration technology: For improved operator comfort and equipment longevity

• Energy efficiency features: Optimized power consumption during operation

How Does This Equipment Order Compare to Other African Mining Investments?

Regional Context and Significance

This substantial equipment order represents one of the larger mining technology investments in West Africa in recent years, highlighting several important contextual factors:

• Growing trend toward modernization in established African gold operations

• Increasing focus on digital integration in traditionally manual mining sectors

• Competitive positioning of Ghana as a technologically progressive mining jurisdiction

• Benchmark setting for other regional operations considering similar upgrades

• Demonstration of confidence in the long-term viability of Ghanaian gold mining

As mining companies look toward the future, understanding industry evolution trends becomes essential for strategic planning and investment decisions across Africa.

What Are the Environmental and Safety Implications of This Equipment Upgrade?

Enhanced Environmental Performance

The new equipment fleet offers several environmental advantages compared to older mining technology:

• Improved fuel efficiency reducing carbon emissions per tonne of ore processed

• Precision drilling capabilities minimizing waste rock production

• Digital optimization reducing unnecessary equipment operation

• Enhanced maintenance systems preventing fluid leaks and contamination

• Reduced noise and vibration minimizing environmental disturbance

Safety Enhancement Features

Worker safety benefits significantly from the technological advancements in the new equipment:

• Enhanced operator protection through improved cabin design

• Remote operation potential removing workers from hazardous areas

• Real-time monitoring of equipment condition and performance

• Automated warning systems for potential operational hazards

• Improved ergonomics reducing operator fatigue and injury risk

Furthermore, this advanced equipment supports modern mine planning processes that emphasize safety and sustainability as core operational values.

FAQ: Epiroc's Equipment Order for Chirano Gold Mine

What is the total value of Epiroc's equipment order for the Chirano Gold Mine?

The order is valued at approximately US$12 million, representing a significant investment in mining technology for the Ghanaian operation.

Who owns the Chirano Gold Mine where the equipment will be deployed?

The mine is owned by Asante Gold Corporation, a Canadian mining company with operations in Ghana.

What types of mining are conducted at the Chirano Gold Mine?

The Chirano operation combines both underground and open-pit mining methods to extract gold resources.

When did the equipment delivery process begin?

Initial deliveries commenced in the third quarter of 2025, with continued implementation scheduled over subsequent months.

What digital capabilities are included in the equipment package?

The order includes a comprehensive digital situational awareness solution that provides real-time monitoring of equipment performance, production data, and operational metrics.

How does this equipment order benefit Ghana's mining industry?

The investment enhances technological capabilities, improves safety standards, creates skilled employment opportunities, and potentially increases production capacity at one of Ghana's significant gold operations.

Conclusion: The Future Impact of Epiroc's Equipment at Chirano

The substantial investment in Epiroc's advanced mining equipment and digital solutions at the Chirano Gold Mine represents more than just an operational upgrade—it signals a strategic commitment to technological advancement in Ghana's gold mining sector. By implementing automation-ready equipment with integrated digital capabilities, Asante Gold is positioning the operation for enhanced productivity, improved safety, and greater operational efficiency.

As the equipment deployment progresses through 2025 and beyond, the Chirano operation stands to benefit from the comprehensive support structure provided by Epiroc, ensuring sustainable performance improvements. This significant technological investment may well establish new standards for mining operations throughout West Africa, demonstrating the potential for digital transformation in traditionally labor-intensive mining environments.

With the integration of advanced 3D modelling and digital twins, mines like Chirano are positioned to make better operational decisions and optimize resource extraction for years to come.

Further Exploration:
Readers interested in learning more about mining equipment developments in West Africa can also explore related educational content from GeoDrilling International, which offers perspectives on drilling operations and mining equipment deployments across global markets.

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