SOMIDA Celebrates the Completion of its First Staff Literacy Program

SOMIDA Celebrates the Completion of its First Staff Literacy Program

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Events, Achievements

Building Skills, Building Futures at DASA Mine

At the DASA site, it became clear that literacy challenges among some local staff were impacting workplace safety and efficiency. Employees who struggle to read and write may face difficulties in following instructions, which can affect overall operations.

In response, the site launched a dedicated literacy program to address this need. Over three months, 23 participants—including SOMIDA staff and subcontractors—engaged in this transformative initiative led by skilled teaching professionals.

On December 3rd, a special ceremony marked the completion of the program’s first cycle, with participants achieving a satisfactory literacy level. Certificates were awarded to the graduates, and site managers attended the event to highlight the significance of this milestone. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of all involved.

For many participants, learning to read and write simple forms and fill in personal details was a life-changing experience. The confidence and pride they gained from this achievement have inspired them to continue their educational journey.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to the program’s success.

Together, we are shaping a brighter and more empowered future at the DASA Mine.

SOMIDA Supports the University Of Agadez

SOMIDA Supports the University Of Agadez

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Events

Empowering Future Geologists

The Geology Department at the University of Agadez has received significant support from the Société Minière de DASA – SOMIDA.

A donation consisting of a laptop computer and a high-definition optical microscope was presented by SOMIDA to the Geology Department team led by Dr A. Wahid SANI, in the presence of the University’s Rector.

This equipment,’ said Dr SANI, ’will be extremely useful for the practical training of our students, as well as for academic research to determine the mechanisms by which mineralisation occurs in geological strata, and to improve the region’s mining potential.

The Chairman and CEO of Global Atomic, who was in Niamey, honoured the brief ceremony with his presence and said he was convinced that geological and mining research is a lever for development, and that more young people should get involved in this field.

DASA Site Completes First Large Ventilation Shaft

DASA Site Completes First Large Ventilation Shaft

by | Oct 6, 2024 | Events

Leveraging Advanced Machinery to Build a Safer Mine

6 October, 2024 – the DASA Site has successfully completed the sinking of its first 5.1-meter diameter ventilation shaft. This shaft, along with the second one to be also installed in Niger, forms the backbone of the mine’s ventilation system, enabling production for the initial 10 years.

Drilling such a large-diameter shaft requires extensive expertise, advanced technological resources, and precise organization.

This operation requires a machine with both substantial mechanical power and electrical capacity. The operation utilized the RD7-150 Raise Borer from Master Drilling, a 46-ton DC machine equipped with dual 380 kW motors. This powerful machine can drill holes ranging from 3.1 to 7.1 meters in diameter, generating 7,200 kN of force, and 1,240 Nm of torque, with a power requirement of 1.6 MW.

At DASA, our team successfully drilled a pilot hole with a 4.9-meter (16-inch) diameter, expanding it to a final diameter of 5.1 meters at a depth of 70 meters. This achievement was made possible by the expertise and dedication of our engineers and operators.

The photograph above demonstrates the completed shaft head, while the accompanying video shows the Raise Borer machine in action.

Once operational, this shaft will support an airflow capacity of over 300 m³/s.