Amplats’ Tumela mine remains suspended, while the rest of Amandelbult operational following floods
Operations at JSE-listed Anglo American Platinum's (Amplats’) Amandelbult complex in Limpopo, except for the Tumela mine, have restarted following heavy rains and widespread flooding in the region.
The significant rainfall and the overflow of the nearby river systems, compounded by the collapse of the Bierspruit dam near Swartklip on February 20, caused water ingress at the Tumela mine, which overwhelmed pumping capacity, flooding certain parts of the underground workings and the main pump station.
While surface flooding in and around the Amandelbult complex temporarily affected access to the operation, the main Dishaba mine, the concentrator and other infrastructure are largely unaffected, Amplats said on February 24.
The company explained that the successful implementation of the emergency preparedness plans, including the temporary suspension of all operations at the Amandelbult complex on February 20, ensured the safe evacuation of all employees and contractors.
A detailed impact assessment and recovery plan to ensure safe production at the Tumela mine is under way.
Preliminary indications are that the company’s 2025 metal-in-concentrate (M&C) production guidance of 3-million to 3.4-million platinum group metal ounces is not expected to be impacted.
The Tumela mine contributes about 10% to the total monthly M&C production.
“The safety of all our employees and surrounding host communities is of the highest priority and we are, together with the authorities, ensuring that support is provided to those most affected by the floods,” Amplats said.
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