[miningmx.com] – RANDGOLD Resources said its Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining operations were far from the airstrikes conducted by French forces in Mali and would not be affected by the military action.
However, the mine was well-stocked with supplies and consumables especially should the military build-up in the west African country affect operations.
Randgold Resources operations several mines in Mali which declared a state of emergency over the weekend amid airstrikes on rebels by French forces. In addition to Loulo-Gounkoto, Randgold also operates the Morila joint venture with AngloGold Ashanti.
The French entered the conflict on Friday after Islamic rebels attacked a town 400km from the capital Bamako. Laurent Fabius, France’s Foreign Minister, said its involvement would last “a matter of weeks”.
“The Randgold operations are in safe areas some 700 kilometres distant from conflict zones and have not been affected by any of the issues that have afflicted Mali over the last ten months, including the recent attacks by rebels in the north of the country,” the company said in an announcement.
However, Randgold continued to monitor the situation closely and had put in contingency plans to ensure its mines could continue to operate.
“Should the current military build-up impact on logistics, both operations are well-stocked with fuel and other consumables,” the company said.
