South32 weighs up cyclone damage at GEMCO

GEMCO operations remain suspended after the impact of Tropical Cyclone Megan, including flooding in the mining pits as well as damage to the wharf and other infrastructure. In an update this morning, owner South32 said that as weather conditions had eased on Groote Eylandt, access to key infrastructure had been restored to enable an initial assessment of the damage at the manganese operation. Image at top of page: ABC News published this supplied image of the damaged wharf. "Initial assessments have identified flooding in the mining pits, as well as significant damage to a critical haul road bridge that connects the northern pits of the Western Leases mining area and the processing plant," the company reported. "Significant structural damage to the wharf and port infrastructure has now also been confirmed. "Further assessment of the full impact of the damage is ongoing and will inform recovery plans, with a view to returning to safe operations as soon as possible. "Alternative shipping arrangements are also being evaluated. While we complete this work, we are withdrawing guidance for Australia Manganese and will provide a further update in our March 2024 Quarterly Report." Related: Bulk carrier batters manganese loading wharf Tropical Cyclone Megan made landfall as a Category 3 system on Monday afternoon, impacting Borroloola and surrounding areas in the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the 189m bulk carrier MV Anikitos had been alongside the Groote Eylandt wharf and experienced severe weather of 100km/h winds and 4m seas on the weekend as the cyclone moved into the Gulf. “The wharf has sustained severe damage, and the ship remains alongside,” an AMSA spokeswoman said yesterday. “The vessel is loaded with 41,140 metric tonnes of manganese ore, 1070 tonnes of low sulphur fuel and 109 tonnes diesel.” Glencore’s McArthur River zinc mine is among the sites that have received heavy rainfall as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan, and a spokesman said late yesterday that 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 Territory Emergency Operations Centre is closely monitoring the severe weather conditions affecting various parts of the Carpentaria and Barkly districts. It said major flooding was anticipated in the McArthur River area today.

South32 weighs up cyclone damage at GEMCO

Industry Queensland

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