Shaft flooded by rain water. Amandelbult running at 25% capacity

AMANDELBULT – The rain of the past week has forced Amandelbult mine to reduce production to 25% of its capacity. Most damage occurred at the number 1 vertical shaft which was flooded, including the pump station. Nearby Bierspruit River has also overflowed. “During a severe storm on 21 January 2008, some 210 mm of rain fell between 05:00 and 12:00 far exceeding the worst precipitation estimates for a ‘once in 200 year’ event”, a press release from Angloplat reads.”The rain resulted in unprecedented and excessive water inflow into underground operations primarily from the extensive worked out, open cast areas. The water inflow from the storm, in addition to inflows of several days of normal rainfall, estimated at 150 megalitres, exceeded the installed dewatering capacity, flooding the number 1 vertical shaft bottom including the pump station.” All personnel were safely removed from the mine, Mr Trevor Raymond, press officer at Angloplat, assured in his press release. Emergency measures were taken to minimize further inflow of water from surface areas. Since the rain has not stopped falling, water is still flowing into the mine, although at a reduced rate. A programme to rid the mine of water is being implemented so work can proceed as soon as possible. Because of the uncertainty about the weather it cannot be predicted at this stage how long it will take to dewater the shaft and recommission the pump station. On Wednesday it was estimated that it would take 9 to 12 weeks for the mine to return to full production. An estimated shortfall of between 50 000 and 70 000 ounces refined platinum would arise from the current situation. Anglo Platinum management is currently in the process of exploring all avenues on how to make up the shortfall in production.