Bulk carrier batters manganese loading wharf

A 189m bulk carrier laden with manganese remained alongside the wharf at Alyangula, Groote Eylandt today after smashing against the structure during cyclonic conditions over the weekend. Tropical Cyclone Megan made landfall as a Category 3 system yesterday afternoon, impacting Borroloola and surrounding areas in the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria. Image at top of page: ABC News published this supplied image of the damaged wharf. A severe weather warning remained in force late this afternoon for parts of the Carpentaria and Barkly districts in the Northern Territory as ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan continued moving inland, while a flood watch was in force for the Cape York Peninsula, North Tropical Coast and the Gulf Country. Glencore's McArthur River zinc mine is among the sites that have received heavy rainfall, and a spokesman said the business was assessing any impacts on equipment and infrastructure. "We are continuing to prioritise key tasks across our operation and adjust the schedule of some work that is less time-sensitive," he said. "We will also continue to offer assistance to the NT Government where we can in the days ahead." The Australian Defence Force deployed five aircraft yesterday to support the evacuation of up to 900 residents from the Borroloola and McArthur River Mine airstrips to Darwin, but said no aircraft were able to land at either airstrip due to the weather conditions. Operations at South32's GEMCO manganese site (Groote Eylandt) remain suspended due to the impact of the cyclone. “The safety of our people and the community on Groote Eylandt is our priority. Weather conditions have eased on Groote Eylandt and we are assessing impacts to infrastructure," a South32 spokesman said. “We will return to safe operations as soon as possible." The spokesman said South32 was aware of some commentary and rumours regarding GEMCO’s future, and stressed that any suggestion that GEMCO would not reopen was false. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the MV Anikitos had been alongside the wharf since March 14 and had experienced severe weather of 100km/h winds and 4m seas on March 16-17 as the cyclone moved into the Gulf. "The wharf has sustained severe damage, and the ship remains alongside," an AMSA spokeswoman said. "The vessel is loaded with 41,140 metric tonnes of manganese ore, 1070 tonnes of low sulphur fuel and 109 tonnes diesel." AMSA said the owners and insurers of the vessel were corresponding with tug providers to arrange tugs to assist the vessel with shifting to a safe anchorage. The NT Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security reports that there is no leak of fuels or oils at this time. "The Territory is planning a response should there be a leak, working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for support if required," a spokesman said. ABC Rural reported a Groote Eylandt source commenting that it was ridiculous the bulk carrier was not moved as the cyclone approached. "It been smashing into the wharf for days — there are still bits falling off the wharf," they said.

Bulk carrier batters manganese loading wharf

Industry Queensland

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