A damaged barrier prompted a major mineral operation to suspend production.
Work could be delayed for up to six weeks until structural issues are resolved at Newmont Corporation’s Telfer mine.
Employees reported “cracking and seepage” at the operation’s mill back on 24 December 2023. This prompted the employer to suspend processing.
“Following initial detection of cracking Telfer activated its response plan, including closure of some work areas near the tailings storage facility (TSF), while analysis and monitoring was undertaken using radar and drone technology,” a Newmont spokesperson said in a public statement.
The Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has already issued prohibition notices to the proponent, limiting the TSF’s use until repairs are completed.
News Limited speculates the mill is unlikely to come back online until at least February 2024.
“The Engineer of Record and our Newmont tailings teams are continuing to work on developing a comprehensive tailings deposition plan so that the processing operations can be restarted. This planning includes consideration of remediation options for TSF 8. Mining operations at Telfer are continuing with crushed material being stockpiled while the processing operations are suspended,” Newmont said.
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