Perseus Mining granted two more mining leases

Australian gold explorer Perseus Mining (ASX: PRU) has advanced its African foothold with the granting of new mining leases in relation to the 5.3Moz Central Ashanti Gold Project in Ghana.
The two 15 year mining leases, renewable under the terms of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, cover a total area of 93.13sq km. Granting of the leases leaves the Environmental Protection Agency permit as the final major approval required before project construction can commence.
As announced on 27 October, Perseus has committed to initial expenditure of US$30 million for plant design, purchase of long lead items and initial site construction works to enable rapid project implementation once EPA approval is obtained.
The Company has now appointed the two most senior personnel for its Ghana mining operations – the General Manager of Operations Grant Pierce and Commercial Manager Paul Hug.
Both positions will be based in Ghana.
Managing Director Mark Calderwood said the rapid granting of new mining leases and the appointment of Mr Hug and Mr Pierce marked another major step forward towards commercial production at Ayanfuri.
“We are fortunate to have appointed Grant and Paul to key management positions, given their wealth of experience and their excellent track record of work in Africa," Mr Calderwood said.
“Over the coming months both gentlemen will assist in putting together an operations team and systems and processes for a successful mining operation in Ghana.”
Mr Pierce is a mining engineer with more than 30 years experience in operations and mine management, including 10 years in Africa. He worked in Tanzania for eight and half years as Mining Manager, Operations Manager and Managing Director for Resolute, then as General Manager and later Executive General Manager for Barrick Gold Corporation (Bulyanhulu and Tulawaka mines).
Mr Hug is an accountant with 28 years of mining and finance experience, including 10 years experience in Africa. He has had senior management involvement in four start-up operations and has extensive experience in designing, implementing and overseeing costing and management systems.  http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/4096/perseus-mining-granted-two-more-mining-leases-4096.html