admin
Lloyd Gumbo Harare Bureau—
Zimplats averted disaster on Thursday when the platinum mining giant timely intervened to evacuate workers and activate its emergency systems after one of its four mines, Bimha, suddenly caved in, resulting in production being cut by about 50 percent. Bimha was Zimplats’ largest producer, with the others being Mupfuti, Rukodzi and Ngwarati.It will take Zimplats about four years to recover from the latest loss.
Zimplats chief executive officer Mr Alex Mhembere said in a statement that proactive response from the management team resulted in timely evacuation of all personnel, without giving figures on how many workers were at the mine during the time it collapsed.
He said the mine collapse was as a result of increased deterioration of ground conditions “associated with a major shear, the Mutambara Shear, that transgresses through half of the mining area”.
He said no injuries or damage to mobile equipment had been reported.
“The fault was first identified in 2011, but has become more problematic over the last year both along the declines and within the stopping footprint of the Bimha Mine,” said Mr Mhembere.
“A number of initiatives to address regional ground stability and employee safety have been undertaken during this period at a cost of more than $6 million.
“However, despite these efforts, significant and accelerated ground deterioration was observed from May this year. Information gained from ground monitoring equipment installed to track the extent and magnitude of the deterioration has led to a decision to abandon and permanently close approximately half of the mining footprint in areas where major falls of ground have occurred.”
Mr Mhembere said as a result of the collapse, the mine had downscaled by 50 percent which translates to 45,000 ounces of platinum.
“Preliminary estimates indicate that it will take 15 months reach full scale production of eight fleets and 50 months to reconnect to declines,” he said.
“A team of company experts supported by internationally renowned senior experts and consultants have been engaged to conduct detailed investigations and to make recommendations on the appropriate remedial action to return the mine to full production.
“Two of the eight fleets that were deployed at the Bimha Mine will be reallocated to redeveloping the declines to open up the bottom roadways. The remaining six fleets will be absorbed either within Bimha or the other mines.
“All statutory notifications have been completed and all emergency systems put on alert. Daily inspections and reviews continue to be undertaken.”
Workers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were told by management that the collapsed part was now a no go area.
“It had become inevitable that the mine would collapse, despite attempts by some South Africans who put concrete so that it could support the pillars,” said one of the workers.
“Even before we stopped operations around the area, it was clear that the pillars were moving on a daily basis.”
Another worker said: “The surface collapsed and as a result some of the machinery like water pumps are no longer accessible.
“It is unlikely that the area will be resuscitated. This is one mine that had the best stone, especially around the site that collapsed.”
Online Reporter