Elikhulu plant pours first gold

PAN AFRICAN Resources yesterday announced the inaugural gold pour at its Elikhulu tailings retreatment plant in Mpumalanga, within the R1.74 billion projected budget and at least a month ahead of schedule. The company’s chief executive, Cobus Loots, said Elikhulu was creating muchneeded new employment opportunities and delivering all milestones in a safe and sustainable manner. Elikhulu’s construction phase employed 1 769 people and would directly employ at least 350 permanent staff and contractors during its 14-year operational life. “The completion of construction and the inaugural gold pour, ahead of schedule and in line with the project budget, is a further significant milestone as we deliver into our strategy of repositioning the group as a lowcost, long-life gold producer.”