May 31 2019
On May 24th, 2019, Canadian company Orezone Gold Corporation hosted an estimated +3,000 people to mark the celebration of the latest construction of the Resettlement Action Plan at its flagship Bomboré Gold Project in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso Prime Minister, H.E. Christophe Dabiré and Minister of Mines, H.E. Oumarou Idani were welcomed on the grandstand by André Baya from Orezone at the Official Bomboré Gold Project RAP ground-breaking ceremony. (Image caption: Orezone Gold Corporation)
The support Orezone has received from the local communities and the Burkina Faso government is a true testament to the strength of the partnership we have built and continue to build as we develop the Bomboré Gold Project. The overwhelming turnout for the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony shows the visible support and project approval from the local communities and all levels of government.
Patrick Downey, President and CEO, Orezone Gold Corporation
Delegates from the Burkina Faso government attended the event, apart from members of the local communities. Delegates included the Prime Minister; the Minister of Roads and Infrastructure; the Minister of Mines; the Governor of the Central-Plateau Region; the Special Presidential Advisor for Energy and Mining Affairs; the Mayor of the rural district of Mogtédo where the project is located; and the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou.
We were honoured by the presence of major Ministers and countless other officials including the Presidential Advisor, representing the President but also by the large representation of community members. Altogether, this is a testimony to the excellent relationship that Orezone has developed with its neighbours and the Burkina Faso Government. Following a few speeches, marked by the blessing of the Mayor for the success of the Project, the Prime Minister started a bulldozer as the symbolic first shovel of the RAP construction. During the ceremony, the homes constructed to date in the resettlement areas as part of the RAP were visited and inspected with all parties very pleased with the workmanship of the local contractors.
André Baya, Managing Director, Orezone Bomboré SA
The Phase I RAP is progressing on schedule and towards completion by the end of 2019. The support of the local communities for Bomboré is integral to the successful development of the Project. The Company continues to invest in local livelihood restoration programs and community assistance projects with a focus on local hiring and training, education, business promotion and social and health aspects.
Patrick Downey, President and CEO, Orezone Gold Corporation
During Phase 1 of the Resettlement Action Plan, 377 households from a number of local traditional villages will be resettled by Orezone Gold Corporation.
The Bomboré Project continues to be on track for the initial gold pour in 2021. At the time of construction and operation of Bomboré, more than 600 workers will be employed with a targeted local employment rate of beyond 95%, and through the mine, significant economic benefits will be delivered to the country in terms of infrastructure development, employment, and tax revenue.