Developing Operational Capability
In order to build the necessary operational capability, extensive research and development efforts have been undertaken since 2006, when the Government of Ghana first granted the concession.
Startup Phase
The first phase of the salvage operation consisted of pulling trees with the use of a barge and an excavator, transitioning to a combination pulling and cutting operation. This initial phase took about one year.
Rollout Phase
As a member of the Triton Logging group of companies, CSR Developments has the full support of the world’s leader in submerged timber planning, tool development, harvesting and downstream marketing. This expertise is being used in conjunction with deep local knowledge to develop a comprehensive operational plan for the Volta Lake timber resource that will deliver sustainable value for multiple stakeholders.
Using Triton’s patented technologies, such as the SHARC™ and Sawfish™ Underwater Harvesters, the team will operate efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. With one of the longest records of certification by the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood Rediscovered Wood program, Triton’s operations have set the standard for underwater logging around the world.
Ongoing investments with partners, government and other stakeholders in local milling capacity, distribution and wood marketing will ensure that the value of the Volta Lake timber resource is fully realized and that Ghana continues to grow as a leader in sustainable development.
For more information on Triton Logging’s operational capabilities, please visit www.tritonlogging.com
Timber Processing
Startup Phase: Small Mill
On-shore processing is also implemented in two stages. An initial, small sawmill will be built on the shore of the Afram Arm of the lake near Akosombo. This mill will allow the design team to incorporate what is learned from initial operations at the lake into the design of the larger mill. Through this phased process, best solutions for operational, environmental and other related issues can be effectively implemented.
The logs will be unloaded to shore at the mill site, where they are sawn, sorted to grade specifications and readied for shipment from this lake-side facility.
Capacity may be increased with the addition of a second shift. A second band mill for re-sawing would allow for an additional increase in production in an effort to better utilize the salvaging output.
The mill yard will make a portion of its logs available to the Ghana market. Whatever timber is not processed by the mill will be sold to other companies. Some non-commercial wood is expected to be available to local residents for uses such as charcoal production, construction and carving.
Rollout Phase: Full-scale Mill Processing with Electricity Co-generation
The large sawmill would add a re-manufacturing line for value-added products, such as flooring, trim, or window and door parts. A sliced veneer plant would process high-end logs into decorative veneer for furniture, cabinetry and mouldings, adding more capacity. On-site kiln-drying capacity could be installed later to maximize the utilization of the wood inventory.
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| High level mill process flow, to be deployed in phases as needed. |
In order to make good use of the mill’s large volume of sawdust and waste wood, a co-generation plant may be built. A plant would convert waste into heat for the lumber and veneer dryers, and into electricity to power the operations. Once this large facility is completed, most waste products could be utilized internally and any excess electricity could be made available to the Ghana power grid.
The full mill would be anticipated to have about 300 employees, with an additional close to 100 workers salvaging the logs when the facility is fully operational.
Full Operations
By completion of its facilities, CSR Developments would have fully integrated salvaging and processing operations, value-added production and activities for local and worldwide marketing and sales. The fully built-out facility would be one of the largest single hardwood operations in the world.
Key Figures
- Large mill with veneer slicing and co-generation plants
- Direct employment for close to 400 people
- Annual output of around 200,000 m3 of timber
- Potential excess electricity for the Ghana power grid
The development and operational plans will be designed to move from early trial to full functional capacity in a way that optimizes economic, environmental and social interests, as well as safety concerns, throughout the project’s life cycle.
For information on the social and environmental aspects of this project, see their respective sections.
