JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The effects of an act of vandalism and mechanical issues at Toronto-listed Nevsun’s Bisha mine, in Eritrea, have largely been resolved and the operation remains on track for restart later this week, the base metals miner said at the weekend.
Nevsun outlined that the copper operation experienced an act of vandalism during the nightshift on March 20, during which minor damage was sustained to the base of the tailings thickener, resulting in the release of water into the plant area.
“The required repairs and cleanup from the incident were minor and are incorporated into the plant restart later this week. Additional safeguards have been adopted to ensure site and personnel safety and security while the Eritrean and mine security forces undertake an investigation,” the company said.
It added that the vandalism had no significant impact on operations and that no personnel were harmed.
Equipment supplier ThyssenKrupp had, meanwhile, been mobilised to site to replace the operation’s ball mill gearbox bearings and reinstall the gearbox.
This after the ball mill experienced “mechanical issues” earlier this month.