African Underground Mining Services (AUMS) is a major underground mining contractor in West Africa with deep roots and global backing. Here's a detailed overview:




?? Origins & Ownership


Founded in 2007 as a joint venture between Barminco (an Australian underground mining specialist) and Ausdrill (which began operations in Africa in 1997) .


It's backed by Perenti, an Australian-based mining services conglomerate, operating as their African underground mining arm. Perenti promotes AUMS as an “international leader in hard‑rock underground mining”.





? Regional Presence


Active primarily in West Africa, with significant operations in Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso.


Key client sites include:



Obuasi Gold Mine (Ghana): Through a joint venture (Underground Mining Alliance) with AngloGold Ashanti; engaged since 2019.


Subika & Chirano (Ghana): Subika development with Newmont since 2009; early-stage work at Chirano’s Paboase decline.


Loulo Complex (Mali): Mechanized underground development for Randgold Resources performing better than local operations.


Mana Complex (Burkina Faso): Under the Underground Mining Services JV, secured a five‑year, AUD 1.1 billion contract starting June 1, 2025, with Endeavour Mining/Semafo at Siou & Wona.







? Services Offered


Mechanized underground operations — including full development, diamond drilling, and production tonnage management.


Consulting & mine management: Services span feasibility-phase planning through production, including drill & blast, load & haul, and grade control.


Specialized diamond drilling, raise-boring, drill & blast, and full ground support installations (shotcrete, mesh, rock bolts).





? Competitive Strengths


Introduced advanced mechanized mining standards to West Africa—leveraging large-scale equipment (e.g., 60 ton underground trucks), state-of-the-art technology, and rigorous safety protocols.


Prioritizes local workforce development through intensive on-site training programs (including potential simulator and Australia-based training), often fast-tracking local miners from “green” to skilled within three years compared to a five-year standard.





? Growth & Impact


Strong revenue and project growth in recent years—including a projected 150% turnover increase due to new projects in 2023 .


Enhancing West Africa’s gold production efficiencies through world‑class mining practices, improving both productivity and safety.





? Summary





Area
Summary




Ownership
Joint venture: Barminco + Ausdrill, part of Perenti


Coverage
Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso


Clients
AngloGold Ashanti, Newmont, Kinross, Randgold, Endeavour Mining


Services
Underground development, production, diamond drilling, mine consulting


Strengths
Mechanized mining, advanced ground control, local talent development





?? AUMS in Tanzania – Key Highlights
? Geita Gold Mine


Long-term underground mining operations at Geita, in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti. In 2021, AUMS secured a two-year contract extension worth USD 186 million, complemented by a new JV—BG Umoja Services Ltd—in which AUMS Tanzania holds a 20% stake and Geofields Tanzania holds 80% .


Activities cover development, production, and diamond drilling, supporting the transition of Geita from open-pit to underground mining since 2016 .


? Corporate & Local Engagement


The Tanzanian entity operates under the name AUMS (T) Limited—registered in Dar es Salaam—focused on mineral mining and quarrying services .


Through the BG Umoja JV with Geofields Tanzania, AUMS demonstrates ongoing commitment to local capacity building, sourcing local suppliers, and enhancing workforce skillsets .


? Equipment & Supply Opportunities


In 2020, AUMS (T) Ltd issued tenders for heavy equipment (e.g., Sandvik development drill) destined for Geita operations, indicating active investment in mechanization .





? Summary Table





Aspect
Details




Core Site
Geita Gold Mine (AngloGold Ashanti)


Mining Model
Underground development, production, drilling


Contract Details
2021 extension (~USD 186 M); BG Umoja JV (80/20 equity split)


Local Entity
AUMS (T) Limited – Dar es Salaam registration


Local Value Creation
JV with Geofields; supplier tenders; skills/training


Equipment Strategy
Ongoing mechanized drilling and heavy mining equipment











✅ Why This Matters for Tanzania


Economic boost: From USD 186 M contract with major gold producer.


Tech transfer & local content: Via JV and active training, sourcing, and supplier engagement.


Mining modernization: Aligns with Tanzania’s push toward more efficient underground operations.