AngloGold Ashanti issues update on West Wits power outage
AngloGold Ashanti, the global gold mining company, has issued an update relating to power interruptions that occurred at its two main operational sites in the West Wits region in South Africa.
AngloGold Ashanti, the global gold mining company, has issued an update relating to power interruptions that occurred at its two main operational sites in the West Wits region in South Africa.
The Mponeng and Tau Tona sites experienced power disruption between March 13th and March 15th, after a fire caused by lightning damaged a transformer at a main regional substation belonging to power utility Eskom.
AngloGold reported that while emergency procedures allowed safe and prompt evacuation of all underground work areas, continued disruption of power to the mines due to the unplanned interruption of the main Eskom electricity supply halted all but essential water pumping services on those two operations.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
It said that there was not sufficient power to run ventilation and cooling plants, hoisting infrastructure or metallurgical plants and other associated production activities.
AngloGold reported that Eskom has "partially restored power until the transformer is repaired".
It said that Tau Tona resumed underground mining activities on March 15th while Mponeng resumed most of its operations on March 18th.
The company said that Eskom had advised that the work to repair the damage is receiving "urgent attention" to restore permanent supply at the regional substation.
The company added: "While all efforts will be made to recover output once power is fully restored, production for the first quarter will be affected. The total adverse impact from this incident on first quarter 2013 gold production is likely to be in the region of 20,000 ounces, with consequential impact on unit costs."
AngloGold's Vaal River operations have not been affected.
AngloGold Ashanti produced 3.944m ounces (Moz) of gold in 2012, generating $6.35bn in gold income. As of December 31st, AngloGold Ashanti's Ore Reserve totalled 74.1Moz.
AngloGold Ashanti's share price was unchanged at 1,675p by mid-afternoon on Monday.
MF
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Michelin Key Hotels 2025: the top destinations in the world
The Michelin Keys have been awarded to spectacular hotels across the world. From Marlon Brando's private resort in Polynesia to a Bvlgari hotel in Tokyo, we look at some of the most extraordinary stays in 2025
-
MoneyWeek news quiz: How much could you get in car finance compensation?
The car finance scandal, inheritance tax, and house prices all made headlines over the past few days. Test your knowledge while reviewing this week’s top stories with MoneyWeek’s news quiz