AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited operates the Obuasi mine which is in the municipality of Obuasi, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Obuasi Mine is primarily an underground operation, mining to a depth of 1,500m. The mine has been in operation since 1897 (122 years) and has been owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti since 2004, following the merger with Ashanti Goldfields Limited. Obuasi Mine’s operations are located on a 201km2 (20,100 ha) mining lease. There are 59 communities within the mining lease area.