teamwork | Societe Miniere de DASA SOMIDA SA

SOMIDA Celebrates the Completion of its First Staff Literacy Program

by Djibril Alhassan | 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.

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SOMIDA Supports the University Of Agadez

by Djibril Alhassan | 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

by Djibril Alhassan | 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.

SOMIDA Successfully Hosts DASA Communities Committee Meeting

by John Wheeler | Aug 11, 2024 | Events

A Milestone in Community Collaboration and Partnership

Based the 1st commitment signed on March 29, 2023, the local village chiefs and SOMIDA have set up their mode of cooperation in the form of a joint committee called Comité Communautaire DASA (CCD). Procedures were drawn up to define how the community committee would operate.

On August 11, 2024, SOMIDA successfully hosted the inaugural meeting of the CCD at the DASA mine in Dajy Camp. The event was officiated by the mayors of Tchirozérine and Dannat (Administrative Delegates), further solidifying the committee’s role in the community. This committee was created to serve as a joint platform for collaboration between the DASA mining project and surrounding communities.

The CCD aims to ensure that local communities are actively involved in decisions impacting their region. Chaired by the Administrative Delegate of Tchirozérine, the meeting established a foundation for future collaboration, emphasizing mutual respect and partnership.

This initiative highlights SOMIDA’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and building strong relationships with the communities surrounding the DASA mine.

The CCD is composed of all village chiefs within a 30 km radius of the DASA site, alongside other community leaders. The committee’s day-to-day governance is managed by an executive body, which includes seven members selected from within the community, the two mayors of Tchiro and Dannat, and a SOMIDA representative.

Al-Ada Cultural Week 2024 – SOMIDA showcases Dasa Project

by John Wheeler | Aug 3, 2024 | Events

Dasa’s Impact on Niger’s Future

From July 26 to August 3, 2024, SOMIDA proudly participated as a key sponsor in the Al-Ada National Week in Niamey, commemorating the historic events of July 26, 2023. The week-long celebration brought together the community in a vibrant series of events, creating a platform for cultural exchange, sport, reflection, and unity.

SOMIDA’s presence provided the attendees with a deeper understanding of the Dasa Project and its pivotal role in Niger’s mining future. Government officials and community members gained valuable insights into how Dasa is fostering sustainable development, generating jobs, and boosting the nation’s economy.

We sincerely thank all participants—government officials, community members, and our SOMIDA Team—for contributing to the success of this memorable week!

In line with our commitment to this significant occasion, SOMIDA produced a short video that captures the event’s spirit and highlights the transformative impact of the Dasa Project.