Beatrix fire still burning

File image: Reuters

File image: Reuters

Published Feb 26, 2013

Share

Johannesburg - The fire at Sibanye Gold Beatrix mine, in Welkom, has not been extinguished, but production has resumed in unaffected areas, the company said on Tuesday.

“Sibanye Gold wishes to confirm that partial production has resumed at Beatrix Four Shaft on Monday,” said spokesman James Wellsted.

Operations were suspended on February 20, following a fire which affected part of the shaft.

“Beatrix management has isolated and sealed off the affected area. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels confirm that there is no leakage on the seals.”

He said the morning shift resumed operations in the unaffected working areas. Crews from the affected area had been redirected to gold recovery activities in older working areas.

“The fire has not yet been extinguished and management is unsure when it will be able to resume operations in that area or the extent of the damage, which may result in partial sterilisation of the ore body.”

The fire has not yet been extinguished and some 1,029 ounces of gold output have been lost during the four-day suspension of the shaft, the company said.

Around 1,961 ounces are expected to be lost each month while production is halted in the areas affected by the fire. - Sapa and Reuters

Related Topics: