By: Discovery alert

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:

• 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.

Digital Solutions Transforming Mining Operations

Beyond physical equipment, the order includes sophisticated digital mining operations designed to revolutionize operational awareness 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

Strategic Importance for Ghana's Mining Sector

This substantial investment 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
• Sustainable mining practices through more efficient resource extraction

Deployment Timeline

The delivery follows a structured implementation schedule:

• Initial deliveries commenced in Q3 2025
• Continued implementation scheduled over subsequent months
• Integration with existing operations to minimize production disruptions
• Full operational capacity expected following complete deployment

Technical Specifications

The Smart Series equipment features:

• Automation readiness: Pre-equipped for autonomous operation
• Digital integration: Connected to mine-wide monitoring systems
• Precision drilling control: Advanced computerized systems for accuracy
• Enhanced operator protection through improved cabin design
• Real-time performance tracking and diagnostics

This investment represents one of the larger mining technology investments in West Africa in recent years, positioning Ghana as a technologically progressive mining jurisdiction and setting benchmarks for other regional operations considering similar upgrades.