adminJohannesburg – AngloGold Ashanti’s two Vaal River operations remained shut yesterday following the earthquake in Orkney, North West, the company said.
“Once it is clear that we have the correct power feed and underground areas and infrastructure are deemed safe, a decision will be made on resuming normal shifts.
“At this stage, we will wait for the appropriate underground conditions and then conduct thorough assessments,” spokesperson Chris Nthite said in a statement.
AngoGold’s mines, Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong, were affected by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the North West and sent tremors through large parts of the country.
Employees who suffered minor injuries have been treated and released from hospital. “Each one of the 3,300 people working underground at Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong mines were safely hoisted to surface by 19:30 yesterday,” Nthite said.
AngloGold Ashanti’s engineers and specialists, together with external seismology experts, were conducting intensive monitoring of seismic activity in the region.
The company’s West Wits operations were not affected. — Fin24
derick.khumalo