Acacia Mining strikes gold in Western Kenya
UK Mining and exploration company Acacia has announced discovery of 1.31 million ounces of gold resources in one of the highest grades project in Africa according to the company.
Commenting on the news, CEO Brad Gordon said, "We are delighted to report a maiden high-grade Inferred Mineral Resource on the Liranda Corridor in Kenya of 1.31 million ounces at 12.1 grams per tonne of gold. This is one of the highest grade projects in Africa today, and we believe that this initial resource is a first step in the delineation of a multi-million ounce high-grade corridor. In addition to the Acacia prospect, which hosts all of this maiden resource, we have known mineralisation on the Bushiangala prospect, one kilometre away to the west, with a further three prospective lodes in early stage testing.
A further scoping study will look at the potential for an underground mining operation at the year end. The mining firm has spent close to Sh3 billion since it started operations in Kenya in 2012 and is presently conducting gold exploration in Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya and Kisumu counties.
Commenting on the West Kenya Project, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, the Honourable Dan Kazungu said, "Kenya is undoubtedly a geologically rich country, and we are taking significant steps, such as the ratification of the 2016 Mining Act, to establish a robust legislative framework to support our developing mining industry. We are excited about the potential of Acacia’s West Kenya Project, as it could ultimately lead to the creation of a gold mining industry that would have a benefit to our country, economy and people. We look forward to continuing to work with Acacia and welcome their continued interest and investment in Kenya."