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The Golden Star Resources has invested US$64 million in refurbishing its Prestea Underground Mine to prepare it for operations by the end of the year. The mine was closed down in 2001 to enable the company to carry out maintenance work. The company�s Underground Manager, Mr Samuel Agyeman, said the refurbishment which was underway was to make the mind safe and for drilling to begin. He mentioned extensive dewatering, replacement of pumps, compressor, ventilation equipment, rehabilitation of the Bondaye and Central shafts and the winders as some of the maintenance mechanisms being undertaken. The company is considering mining 1,200 tonnes of gold ore in a day should production resume. Mr. Agyeman said production capacity at the mine could peak at 90,000 ounces of gold per year considering that it would produce 120,000 tonnes of ore. He said Golden Star�s Bogoso oxide processing plant was well positioned to process the ore that would be produced from the mine into gold should production begin. He said the company also obtained extensive geological and operational data from the mine and digitised the relevant ones and outlined a number of drill targets. Mr Agyemang said the extent of work which was currently carried out on the mine currently made it possible for operations to begin without any difficulty. Golden Star currently has 81 per cent stake in the revamped Prestea Underground Mine and its reopening is expected to create employment opportunities for people in and around the Prestea township.