Friday, April 24, 2015

The challenge of illegal gold mining is very serious



Dr. Joyce Aryee, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has asked leaders to find solutions to the illegal mining menace, as it is draining the economy of huge revenue and destroying the environment.

“The challenge of illegal gold mining is very serious. It is affecting government’srevenue and water-bodies. In the next five years every source of water bodies will be contaminated. 

“Farm lands will be destroyed and agriculture will be so affected, which will lead to extensive environmental degradation. The danger is that most of them are using dangerous chemicals like cyanide in their operations,” she said.

Speaking to the Accra Mining Network, made up of diverse professionals from the industry, Dr. Aryee said: “This is the time for those who have knowledge about the destruction caused by illegal mining activities to point out and condemn it.”

Although the Minerals Commission grants licences for small-scale mining, licencees have not always respected the terms - while some people mine illegally and destroy vast vegetation cover in search of gold.

Dr. Aryee said in spite of the challenges the sector is faced with there are opportunities in the industry for skilled small-scale miners, and urged professionals to come together to tap those opportunities.
According to her, apart from creating jobs, pulling together these synergies of professionals can help in the promotion of safe mining practices.

The meeting with the mining professionals was called at the request of the Accra Mining Network to discuss and understand some key issues facing the sector.

The interactive session saw the former CEO responding to concerns from members of the group on various issues ranging from small-scale mining issues, retention policies, education and training, regulation among several others.

She explained that the country’s mining institutions are training many mining experts, but the industry’s human resource is shrinking.

Mining and agriculture, she observed, can co-exist -- adding that business collaborations must be formed to help solve the illegal mining menace and bring transformation to the sector.

The AMN is a not-for-profit, apolitical NGO concerned with the general welfare of the vulnerable in the mining profession, spanning from student to retirees.

VIVO Energy GH launches Shell FuelSave



VIVO Energy Ghana has launched Shell’s most advanced economy fuel, Shell FuelSave, in Accra. This is the latest among the company’s products designed to provide extra utility for motorists in their use of Shell products.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of VIVO Energy Ghana, Ebenezer Faulkner, emphasised the importance of bringing in this innovative product.

“Motorists want fuels that will take them further without having to pay more for it, and Shell is committed to delivering better fuels around the world.  Shell scientists have been working hard to develop fuels that address motorists’ need for improved fuel economy to help them achieve value for money,” he said.

He noted that the product is available in both super and diesel, and will come to consumers at no extra cost. The product will also replace the current Shell Super Extra and Shell Diesel Extra product across the whole network of 150 service stations in Ghana.

Mr. Faulkner highlighted the advantages Shell FuelSave will give to motorists.“Shell FuelSave Super is designed to reduce energy losses in the engine and can help improve your engine’s efficiency to get you a little further on each tank. It is designed to keep inlet valves clean, prevent deposit formation and improve engine efficiency.
 
“Shell FuelSave Diesel is designed to ignite and burn more effectively to help improve fuel economy. And it contains special detergents designed to maintain engine condition by helping to prevent the building of injector deposits,” he said.

He added that Shell FuelSave super should be differentiated from V-Power, because they serve different customer needs.

“Shell FuelSave super is an advanced fuel economy super-positioned to serve customers who want to enjoy more fuel economy benefits, but at the same price as regular super and thereby save on their fuel consumption.

“V-Power on the other hand, is a premium high octane and high performance fuel positioned for customers who want to experience the super performance of their vehicles. V-Power is sold at a price above regular super,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Petroleum Ben Dagadu, in his keynote address, commended VIVO Ghana for its innovation in the petroleum industry, and assured the company of the ministry’s collaboration.

“VIVO Energy Ghana recently inaugurated the first-ever fuel pumps for motorbikes in the Northern Region, which clearly demonstrates how innovative the company is by delivering new and exciting products and services that offer convenience to customers, and are specific to their needs.

“The launch of Shell FuelSave marks another milestone in the growth and development of Ghana’s energy sector. I would like to commend Vivo Energy Ghana for being the leader in fuel innovation,” he said. Source:B&FT

Puma Energy opens one of world’s largest offshore fuelling facilities



Puma Energy, the globally integrated midstream and downstream energy company, has opened one of the world’s largest conventional buoy mooring (CBM) systems in Luanda Bay, Angola.

The fuel loading buoy, anchored offshore, serves as a strategic mooring point for Africa; and it will allow a wide range of carriers to berth while loading or offloading oil products.

The new CBM is located next to Puma Energy’s Fishing Port Terminal in Luanda Bay, which is currently being extended and will have a total storage capacity of 276,000m3. The CBM meets Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) standards and can accommodate vessels up to 225,000 DWT (Dead Weight Tons) with a draft restriction of 19.3m.

It has bi-directional flow and a nominal product transfer rate of 4,000m3 per hour on both lines. The mooring buoys are fitted with navigational aids to assist with effective, safer and environmentally-friendly tanker loading and berthing.

Puma Energy applied its extensive infrastructure experience to construct this state-of-the-art facility -- the result of which will make Angola’s Fishing Port Terminal a key site securing the supply of energy to and from Angola and Africa during a period of high demand for energy products.

Pierre Eladari, CEO for Puma Energy said: “We constantly assess new and strategic infrastructure investment opportunities which help us provide safe, reliable and cost-effective supply, storage and distribution solutions to our customers. This new CBM facility in Luanda provides security of supply to and from Angola as well as Africa”.

The CBM is part of Angola’s long-term strategic objective to improve the country’s infrastructure endowment. Improved efficiency at the Port of Luanda will help Angola’s economy to remain amongst the fastest-growing in Africa.

Puma Energy entered Angola in 2004 as a partner for Sonangol, Angola’s National Oil Company, in its strategic ambition to invest, redevelop and liberalise its downstream oil industry. Currently Puma Energy operates four businesses in Angola: Pumangol Retail -- Petrol Station network; Pumangol B2B -- direct seller of fuels to the industry; Pumangol Bunkering -- bunkering of vessels; and AngoBetumens -- bitumen storage and distribution

Puma Energy has built lasting vital infrastructure across all 18 provinces in Angola, including bulk storage facilities, a retail network programme of near 71 sites across the country, and has created thousands of jobs.

Puma Energy is a global integrated midstream and downstream oil company active in close to 45 countries. 

Formed in 1997 in Central America, Puma Energy has since expanded its activities worldwide, achieving rapid growth, diversification and product line development. The company directly manages over 7,400 employees. Headquartered in Singapore, it has regional hubs in Johannesburg (South Africa), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Brisbane (Australia) and Tallinn (Estonia).

Puma Energy’s global integrated asset base includes 84 primary terminals that are strategically located, bringing security of supply to 23,500 B2B customers and 215 million retail customers. The Puma Energy business model enables our growing team of energy professionals to consistently deliver dynamic performance in markets with growth potential to our customers.

The company’s core activities in the midstream sector include the supply, storage and transportation of petroleum products. Puma Energy’s activities are underpinned by investment in infrastructure which optimises supply chain systems, capturing value as both asset owner and marketer of product. 

Puma Energy’s downstream activities include the distribution, retail sales and wholesale of a wide range of refined products, with additional product offerings in the lubricants, bitumen, LPG and marine bunkering sectors. Puma Energy currently has a global network of over 2,000 retail service stations.