PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner BHP Billiton has halted production at its Groote Eylandt manganese mine, in the Northern Territory, over the weekend, owing to a tropical cyclone threat, the company reported on Monday.

“We progressively shut down operations on Sunday afternoon as a precautionary measure. The operations remain closed and we are monitoring the weather,” a BHP spokesperson told Mining Weekly Online.

Cyclone Paul, which has been classified as a category two storm, was expected to move inland on Monday. Winds of up to 130 km/h could develop around East Arnhem land and Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and rising tides could cause flooding.

The Groote Eylandt Mining Company (Gemco), is jointly owned by BHP Billiton (60%) and the Anglo American Corporation (40%)and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of manganese ore.

Gemco employs approximately 250 people as well as a large number of permanent and temporary contractors.

Last week, the BHP Billiton declared a force majeure at its Hay Point coal terminal, in Queensland, following damages caused by cyclone Ului.

The terminal had sustained some offshore damage to walkways, cabling and platforms.  At the time, the company reported that it would take three to six weeks for both berths to return to full operation.

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