PERTH (miningweekly.com) − The Geraldton Port Authority (GPA) is investigating a ship-loading event by copper miner Jabiru Metals, after dust samples from the shipment indicated higher-than-allowed traces of lead.

Between April 24 and 26, Jabiru shipped 5 510 t of copper concentrate through its storage facility at the Geraldton port. The GPA received results from two sets of dust samples, taken at four locations around the port, during this loading cycle, with one of the results exceeding the 24-hour lead limit by 0,33 ug/m³.

Jabiru MD Gary Comb said that the company would cooperate with the investigation, adding that Jabiru had been exporting from the Geraldton port without incident, until April.

“Jabiru has been shipping copper and zinc concentrates from its Jaguar mining operation through the Geraldton port for four years, with no previous lead exceedances recorded,” Comb said.

He added that the company had complied with the GPA’s ship-loading procedures and product specifications at all times, and that it was involved in ongoing studies to improve the loading procedures and reduce dust levels at the port.

“We will work closely with the GPA to ensure we can continue to export our copper concentrate in a safe manner,” said Comb.

The metals miner exports eight to nine copper concentrate shipments a year, totalling around 45 000 t. The two previous copper concentrate shipments in 2011 complied with the lead level limit.
 

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.