ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mine Economic Evaluation and Financial Management - a Case Study

Over the past five (5) years, Mpeasem Mining Company Limited (MMCL) has carried out extensive exploration program to establish a lode gold deposit with measured mineral reserves within its concession at Mpeasem in the Upper Denkyira District in the Central Region of Ghana. The intention of the company is to exploit the deposit using open-pit mining method and to treat the run-of-mine ore by carbon-in-leach processing method. The major concern of the company is whether the project will be profitable or not. Another concern is the sources of finance for the project if it is found to be economically viable. The main objectives of this thesis are to evaluate the economic viability of MMCL and also determine the most appropriate way of financing the project. To combat the problems, the established technical data of MMCL was initially collected and collated. Based on these data, the capital cost, operating cost and revenue were estimated. The capital cost estimates were gathered from MMCL itself, supply agencies in Ghana, Europe, America, and some selected Ghanaian contractors. The operating cost estimates were also gathered from mines operating under similar conditions in Ghana and service companies. The annual revenue was estimated using the annual production rate, mill head grade, mill recovery as outlined in the technical data, and the gold price. The Ghanaian investment laws were studied and information on tax rate, royalty, incentives and benefits were selected. This information together with the estimated revenue, capital and operating costs was used in the cash flow analyses of MMCL. The analyses were conducted using loan, equity and preferred stock capitals. The annual cash flows generated were used to determine NPV, IRR and DPBP. The traditional theory was used to determine the optimum capital structure for MMCL. The theory used the relationship between the weighted average cost of capital and the gear ratio to determine the minimum weighted average cost of capital and its corresponding gear ratio. The optimum capital structure for MMCL was determined as a result of the gear ratio obtained. Marginal analysis was then carried out on the optimum capital structure. The minimum average cost of capital obtained from the marginal analysis was used as the minimum rate of return and discount rate for the calculation of NPV and DPBP respectively. The project was found to be economically and financially viable since the NPV was positive and IRR was greater than the minimum weighted average cost of capital. It is suggested that the Mpeasem project should be undertaken since the minimum average cost of capital which directly relates the financial analysis to economic analysis is less than the IRR and also gives positive NPV.

Source: KNUST
Mine feasibility study: a model for gold projects in Ghana

In Ghana, a detailed final feasibility report is considered a vital requirement for the grant of a mining lease and as a bankable document which should be accepted by all funding agencies and other investors who might provide funds in the form of loan or equity capital. Final feasibility reports, which do not meet the standards in the Ghanaian investment climate, are often queried and some rejected outright, a situation which can bring frustrations to investors. Although some guidelines for writing final mine feasibility reports are provided, they do not spell out the level of details required and the format for presentation. In this thesis, comprehensive and step-wise approach to mine feasibility study in the Ghanaian investment climate is formulated. Most typical examples from some mines in Ghana are presented. A detailed table of contents and the format for presentation of final feasibility reports to be followed by authors of mine feasibility reports are also presented. Finally, it is recommended that the Minerals Commission of Ghana should put in place a mechanism where proponents will be required to, as in the case of Environmental Impact Statements, submit it a scoping report for auditing and acceptance before embarking on the actual preparation of the feasibility reports. It also recommended that a team of professionals should be made to manage final feasibility reports in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Mine reclamation practices - a case study

The growth of surface mining in any locality brings about socio-economic concerns. Mining for precious minerals almost always cause environmental problems of varying degrees. The original landform may undergo distortion and degradation and there could be a-rise land use conflict among others. This thesis sets out to analyse whether surface mining operation lead to permanent loss of farmlands of the local communities and that the adverse impact of surface mining is only temporary and can be corrected during and at the end of the mining operation. Technical information was obtained from the Ashanti Goldfields Ayanfuri Limited, (AGAL), a subsidiary of Ashanti Goldfields Company, Obuasi Mine Reclamation Project. Information on mine water was gathered by taking specimen water samples from various pits on the mine and this was compared with baseline levels of streams in the study area which was available from the pre-mining Environmental Impact Assessment report. Interviews with persons in the local communities particularly those whose farmlands were taken provided an insight into the extent of the problem of land-use conflict. A pilot reclamation project carried out by AGAL and also talking to equipment contractors provided the guidelines and figures for the computation of a provisional reclamation cost of the Ayanfuri project. Various legislatives governing the mining environment was analysed to know how far they have influenced reclamation efforts. This thesis concludes that the AGAL mining project’s negative impact was being addressed positively. An early implementation of such a project could have improved its monitoring and supervision dimensions thereby enhancing its chances of success.

Source: KNUST
Mine sampling design using geostatistics at Tarkwa Goldfields Limited

This thesis deals with a mine sampling design using geostatistics at Tarkwa Goldfield. The sampling operation at Tarkwa Goldfielfds was studied in order to know the sampling pattern that is the way the samples are taken and the interval at which the samples are placed. Development channel sample values were taken from four drives at the west reef west limb section, of Tarkwa Goldfields Limited. Classical statistics was employed in analysing the data thus paving the way for the application of geostatistical techriiques, to determine an optical sampling interval for development sampling.

Source: KNUST
Mine waste and tailings management: a case study of Ashanti Goldfields, Bibiani Limited

Ashanti Goldfields, Bibiani, Limited (AGBL) has been operating an open pit mine at Bibiani, in the Western Region of Ghana, since 1997. By its nature as a surface mine, AGBL generates a considerable tonnage of overburden, waste rock and tailings for permanent disposal. Thus, one major problem of the mine is the handling and relocation of the large quantities of mine wastes generated. Since mining is a temporal use of land, it is important that consideration be given to post mining land use. A mine waste and tailings management plan therefore constitutes an important mitigation measure against adverse environmental challenges of the mine’s waste dumps and tailings impoundment. This thesis therefore seeks to identify and assess the potential impacts of mine waste and tailings disposal and prescribe appropriate measures to eliminate or minimise the impacts. The wastes management of the company over the period 1997 to 2001 was studied in order to assess the strategies taken by Ashanti Goldfields, Bibiani, Limited to manage the mine’s waste rock and tailings effectively. The major environmental problem that requires particular care for protecting the environment is the periodic pollution of water by high levels of arsenic and dissolved iron in the Mensin River and its tributaries, the Mpokwampah and Amponsah streams, which drain the concession. Indicative management schemes have been provided to ameliorate the adverse environmental effects derived from these high levels of arsenic and dissolved iron in the Mensin River and the downstream surface waters.

Source: KNUST
Military sourcing and logistics support for operations: a case study of the Ghana Armed Forces

Military operations primarily aim to create security and peaceful environment and in some cases, offer humanitarian assistance. It is for this and many other reasons why sourcing for the right logistics requirements are critical for the success or otherwise of a military operation. The study primarily examined the effect of military sourcing and logistics support for operations on the performance of military organizations using the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as a case study. Specifically, this study identified the logistics needs of the Ghana Armed Forces and examined the process involved in sourcing decisions by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). Lastly, the study identified measures to improve logistics support for military operations. In order to achieve the objectives, the study employed descriptive statistics, tables and charts as tools of analysis. The survey method of data collection using standardised open and closed ended questionnaires was employed in this research. The study will make use of both open-ended and close-ended survey questions in other to gain a better understanding of the situation. The study sampled 40 military officers from the Logistics and Procurement Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces. However, the response rate was 75%, which means that 30 military officers fully responded to the questionnaire. The result of the analysis indicates that sourcing logistics has not improved the performance of the GAF due to delay in the process. In terms of identifying the logistics needs for military operations, the study identifies military hardware such as ammunition and carrier vehicles as the major logistic needs of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). Lastly, the study finds that although respondents are aware of the existence of the process of sourcing, they cannot state emphatically what the process involved, which implies that knowledge on the sourcing process is limited

Source: KNUST
Mineral Composition, Antioxidant Properties, Phytochemical and Anti-nutrient Composition of African Palmyra Palm (Borassus aethiopum) Fruit Flour

African palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum) grows widely across Africa. Previous studies indicated its fruit flour has a great potential in food applications. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of different drying methods on the mineral composition, antioxidant properties, anti-nutrient composition and phytochemical composition of the African palmyra palm (APP) flour. The fresh fruit pulp was obtained, freeze dried, oven dried, solar dried and milled into flour. Phytochemical screening, mineral analysis, anti-nutrient analysis and antioxidant analysis were conducted on the flour obtained according to standard methods. The flour had high total phenols (1518.00 - 3896.71 mg GAE/100g), potassium (237.00 - 276.73 mg/100g), magnesium (211.61 - 293.62 mg/100g) and saponin (36.10 – 55.62 g/100g). The flour samples also had considerable free radical scavenging activities. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of several phytochemicals including glycosides. Drying had a significant effect on the analysed composition of APP flour.

Source: KNUST
Mineral Nitrogen and Microbial Biomass dynamics under millet glume compost application in Semi -Arid Niger

Most farmers in Semi-arid Niger preferably apply composted millet straw to crop fields to enhance fertility status of their soils due to the escalating prices of mineral fertilizers. As a result of the competitive use of the straw, micro-dosing of millet glume compost is emerging as an alternative technology to enhance soil health. However, there is no systematic research on its impact on soil fertility indicators and crop yield. This study therefore aimed to bridge this gap in knowledge by providing relevant data / information on crop and soil response to micro-dose application of the millet glume compost (MGC) within the framework of integrated nutrient management. A field experiment was conducted in 2013 at N‟dounga / Regional Centre for Agricultural Research of Niger (INRAN / CERRA / Kollo). The experiment consisted of the following treatments: 88 g urea + 500 g SSP (MF), 150 g MGC (C 150 g), 150 g MGC + 88 g urea + 500 g SSP (C 150 g + MF) 300 g MGC only (C 300 g), 300 g MGC + 88 g urea + 500 g SSP (C 300 g + MF) and a control (no amendment). The treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. The results indicated variations in microbial biomass C, N and P as well as NO3- -N and NH4+ -N over the sampling periods of the study. For example, microbial biomass C and N observed at 12 weeks after sowing (WAS) under the amendments were generally higher than values recorded at 4 WAS. Biomass C and N were significantly higher (P > 0.05) under the C 300 g + MF amendment than all other amended plots and the control. Biomass P values were low under all amendments at both periods of sampling (4 and 12 WAS). Biomass C showed significant correlation (P < 0.05) with NO3- (r = 0.74) and organic carbon (r = 0.90) whilst biomass N correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with NO3- -N (r = 0.72) and with total N (r = 0.75). Nitrate-nitrogen levels in the soil increased markedly iv from 8 WAS to 12 WAS indicating the occurrence of Birch effect. Comparatively, the levels of NO3- were generally higher than that of NH4+ at all sampling periods. This has implications for nitrogen loss from the soil system as nitrogen in the form of NO3- is subject to more leaching than NH4+ -N. Sole application of millet glume compost or in combination with mineral fertilizer led to increase in organic C and total N contents of the soil. Millet grain yield obtained under the sole or combined applications of MGC and mineral fertilizers were low due to erractic rainfall patterns. This notwithstanding, C 300 g + MF produced more grain yield than all the amendments. Crop harvest index ranged from 33.42 – 42.7% under the soil amendments. The study indicated that micro-dose rate of 300 g millet glume compost + 88 g urea + 500 g SSP (i.e. 3t/ha compost + 15 N kg/ha + 13 P kg/ha) is potentially ideal for crop growth and soil fertility improvement in Semi-arid Niger.

Source: KNUST
MINERAL NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND REMOVAL BY COWPEA, SOYBEAN AND MAIZE CULTIVARS IN WEST AFRICA, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CARBON CYCLE EFFECTS ON SOIL ACIDIFICATION

A field study of cowpea, soybean and maize was made at Ibadan, Nigeria, to determine the uptake of mineral nutrients and quantities removed in crop residues and seed. Concentrations of N, the major cations (K, Ca, Mg and Na) and major anions (P, S and Cl), and the micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) were determined in shoots harvested at flowering and maturity. Concentrations of excess cations in shoots at flowering were 135 cmolc kg−1 for soybean, 158 cmolc kg−1 for cowpea and 58 cmolc kg−1 for maize. In crop residues and seed at maturity, the values decreased to 75 and 56 cmolc kg−1 respectively for soybean, 68 and 27 cmolc kg−1 respectively for cowpea, and 52 and 10 cmolc kg−1 respectively for maize. Nutrient and excess cation concentrations were also measured in 13 soybean and eight cowpea lines grown in replicated field trials at Fashola in the derived savanna zone and Shika in the northern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria to assess the variation within these species. Maize, mucuna and lablab were included at these sites. The results are discussed in the context of soil nutrient depletion due to removal of nutrient elements in harvested seed and stover. The contribution of seed and stover removal to the proton (H+) budget and acidification of the soil is also discussed. It is estimated that the quantity of lime required to neutralize the acidity resulting from the removal of 1 t seed is 28 kg for soybean, 14 kg for cowpea and 5 kg for maize. The corresponding values for stover were soybean 35, cowpea 24 and maize 26 kg lime t−1 stover. Given the soil pH buffer capacity at the Ibadan site for the surface 16 cm, the yields obtained and assuming that seed and crop residues are removed, carbon cycle acidification would lead to a fall of 1 pH unit after 75 crops for soybean, 114 crops for cowpea and 68 crops for maize. The inclusion of legumes in cropping systems to increase N supply, and the use of P fertilizer to maximize N-fixation by legumes will raise production, but will inevitably accelerate removal of alkalinity and nutrients in harvested products, and the consequent decline in soil fertility. The data presented in this paper can be used in estimating the lime and fertilizer nutrients needed to maintain soil fertility and sustain yields

Source: KNUST
Mineral resource estimation of alluvial Gold deposits - a comparative study

Nkroful Mining Ltd has acquired a concession at Nkroful town which has both hard rock (vein type) and alluvial gold mineralization. The alluvial gold mineralization is erratic and complex so it demands a thorough investigation to establish the geological characteristics of the deposit and a good estimation method to estimate the gold resource potential of the deposit. This thesis is aimed at, studying the geological characteristics of the deposit and selecting an appropriate mineral resource estimation method through a comparative study of various estimation methods. The outcome should assist Nkroful Mining Ltd in estimating the gold resource potential of the concession and also contribute towards the improvement of alluvial gold resource estimation in Ghana. The geological characteristics of the deposit were studied through literature review and geological mapping in the field. Statistical and geostatistical analysis were used to check and quantify some of the parameters obtained from the geological studies. Based on the geological characteristics of the deposit and sample grade values, four blocks were demarcated for the resource estimation. Triangular, sectional, inverse square distance, statistical and geostatistical methods were used to estimate the gold potential of the deposit. Grade estimates from the various estimation methods did not differ significantly. Comparatively, statistical - estimation - gave higher values. Triangular and sectional estimation gave values that fluctuated between high - and low grades. Geostatistical and inverse distance estimation gave values that were average and compared favourably to each other. Despite the constraint that mined figures were not available at the end of the research work to substantiate the method chosen, it is still proposed that inverse distance square method should be adopted by Nkroful Mining Ltd due to its simplicity and comparability with the geostatistical method which took into account the regionalization of the variables.

Source: KNUST
Mineral resource estimation at Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited: a comparative study

Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited (AGC) has delineated four main granitic deposits within its Obuasi consolidated concession. Out of these four deposits the most prominent is the Anyankyerim deposit which strikes over 1 .6 km and has a total resource of 7.8 Mt at 2.2 g/t. The Anyankyerim deposit is currently being exploited by surface mining technology. However one of the major problems which have been of great concern during mining is the discrepancies between the estimated and the actual mined reserves. This problem may be attributed to inaccurate estimation method, poor mining practice and inefficient mineral processing. The Objective of this thesis is to look at the geological characteristics of the Anyankyerim deposit, investigate the applicability of geostatistics as an alternative method to the inverse distance squared method currently being used, and adopt a strategy that may minimise the differences between the estimated and the mined reserves. In this thesis, exploration information used included trench, Reverse Circulation drilling (RC), and Diamond Drilling (DD) data. In order to facilitate the work and eliminate human errors, DATAMINE software was used. The exploration data were validated and statistically analysed. Subsequently, the orebody model was built using wireframe and block model techniques in DATAMINE to obtain a 3-D deposit. Both inverse distance squared and cubed, and geostatistics (ordinary kriging) methods were applied. Further analysis of the estimated reserves and the mined reserves unveiled that the major factor contributing to the discrepancies is the tonnage factor being used by exploration during resource estimation and that used by the mining engineers. Recommendations to minimise these discrepancies have been provided.

Source: KNUST
Minimisation of Test Application time in the scan technique

The focus of this study is on how test application time in the scan technique can be minimised. A novel method of how this can be achieved, called the Vector Match Approach, is presented. It takes advantage of matching patterns in test vectors, by rearranging them such that those with matching patterns are closer to each other. Flow charts describing the logic of the algorithm and an example, illustrating how it works are also shown. In addition, the circuit architecture for the Vector Match Approach is presented. It incorporates a scan register and a multiple-input signature register (MISR) together with the circuit under test.

Source: KNUST
Minimising transportation cost of petroleum products through distribution networks linking depots operated by bulk oil storage and transportation company limited (Bost), Ghana Unsing Transportation Module.

The transportation model deals with the distribution of goods from several points of supply (sources) to a number of points of demands (destinations) such that the total transportation cost is minimized. Typical examples include petroleum products distribution system, railways, roadways, telephone system and citywide water system. In transportation model, a transportation table is setup such that the relevant data are summarized conveniently and concisely while observing restrictions regarding supply and requirements. The basic feasible solution for a balanced problem is then found by applying any of following methods such as Northwest Corner Method, Minimum Cost Method and Vogel’s Method. The initial feasible solution is then moved to an optimal feasible solution by using an iterative technique such as Stepping-stone method or Modified Distribution Method. The data collected from the Marine Services, Volta Lake Transportation Company Limited and Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited revealed that pipeline is the cheapest mode of transportation of petroleum products in the country. After analyzing the data on the petroleum products distribution network linking all the five petroleum products storage depots located at Eastern, Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern and Upper East Regions showed that the bulk transportation cost of products can be reduced by 14.16%. Also, two optimal solutions were obtained.

Source: KNUST