Perenti AUMS Wins $1.02 Billion Underground Mining Contract at Obuasi Gold Mine
Perenti has strengthened its global mining footprint in 2025 after securing a major $1.02 billion agreement through its African Underground Mining Services (AUMS) division.
The deal, awarded by AngloGold Ashanti, will see Perenti’s AUMS continue providing comprehensive underground development and production services at Ghana’s iconic Obuasi gold mine. The agreement was secured under the Underground Mining Alliance (UMA) joint venture, a 70:30 partnership between Perenti’s AUMS and local Ghanaian company Rocksure International.
Image 1: Aerial view of the Obuasi gold mine operations in Ghana
Source: International Mining
A Strategic Win for Perenti in the African Mining Sector
This $1 billion AngloGold Ashanti mining deal marks one of Perenti’s most significant contract renewals to date and will span six years, reflecting the strength of the company’s operational history and its alignment with AngloGold Ashanti’s long-term production goals in West Africa.
Perenti’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Mark Norwell, described the award as a “strategic milestone” that reinforces the company’s focus on growth markets like Africa, where mining activity and resource demand continue to accelerate.
“Our performance over the last five years at Obuasi has built trust, and we’re pleased to continue delivering value to AngloGold Ashanti while enhancing our reputation across the Ghana mining industry,” said Norwell.
Inside the Deal: Underground Development and Production at Obuasi
The renewed agreement covers the full spectrum of underground mining services, including:
- Decline and lateral development
- Production drilling and blasting
- Ground support and stope preparation
- Ventilation and material handling systems
- Workforce training and localisation initiatives
Obuasi, once known as Ghana’s “golden city,” has re-emerged as a tier-one asset after its redevelopment in recent years. With a targeted output of over 400,000 ounces annually, the site plays a central role in AngloGold Ashanti’s West African portfolio.
Image 2: AUMS workers in high-vis gear conducting underground drilling operations
Source: Perenti Photo Library
The UMA Joint Venture: A Model for African Mining Partnerships
This contract extension further strengthens the success story of the Underground Mining Alliance (UMA)—a model JV in African mining services that blends international expertise with local capability.
The JV is celebrated not only for delivering results but also for investing in Ghana’s workforce and mining ecosystem. Over 95% of UMA’s workforce is Ghanaian, and the JV is widely credited with driving skills development and economic growth in the Ashanti region.
UMA’s high safety standards, efficient delivery, and robust stakeholder engagement have made it a blueprint for African mining joint ventures amid rising demand for localised development in international projects.
Image 3: Ghanaian underground mining trainees participating in UMA’s skill development program
Source: Rocksure International – Training Gallery
Ghana Mining Industry News: Obuasi as a Symbol of Revival
Obuasi has seen major redevelopment since its closure in 2014. Following substantial investment and rehabilitation, the mine was brought back into commercial production by AngloGold Ashanti in 2020, and it continues to be a key contributor to Ghana’s export economy.
The new Perenti AUMS contract reflects growing confidence in the stability and long-term potential of Ghana’s mining industry, which remains one of Africa’s most attractive jurisdictions for gold exploration and extraction.
Perenti’s Global Momentum in 2025
This announcement comes at a time when global mining contractors in 2025 are facing increasing competition, ESG scrutiny, and geopolitical complexity. Perenti has strategically focused on key markets including Africa and North America, delivering value through diversified services, sustainable mining practices, and performance-based contracts.
In addition to its success in Ghana, Perenti is currently involved in major underground projects across Botswana, Canada, and Australia, reinforcing its multi-continent footprint.
Norwell added, “This contract not only adds $1 billion to our order book—it strengthens our long-term presence in Africa and proves that our approach to partnerships and delivery is world-class.”
What This Means for Stakeholders and the Mining Sector
For investors and industry observers, the Perenti AUMS Obuasi contract 2025 is more than a financial win—it signals the strength of cross-border collaboration, the maturing of West African mining, and the increasing role of Australian expertise in emerging markets.
Key implications include:
- Enhanced job creation and technical training in Ghana
- Long-term supply chain opportunities for local businesses
- A stronger global profile for Perenti as a Tier 1 mining contractor
- Greater alignment between ESG goals and operational delivery
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Perenti and African Mining
In securing this $1.02 billion AngloGold Ashanti mining deal, Perenti has reaffirmed its leadership in the underground mining sector. The success of the UMA JV at Obuasi demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships, local engagement, and technical excellence in achieving long-term value in global mining.
As Ghana’s mining industry continues its growth trajectory, and as contractors worldwide seek scalable, impact-driven models, the Perenti AUMS Obuasi contract 2025 stands out as a defining example of how Australian innovation and African opportunity can intersect for mutual success.
