Canada-based platinum group metals and chrome miner Eastern Platinum (Eastplats) has temporarily halted its chrome concentrate production in South Africa.
The operation at the Crocodile River mine, in the North West province, was halted over the weekend of June 13 and 14 as a result of a confirmed case of Covid-19. Precautionary steps, including personnel self-isolation and a full-scale deep cleaning of the mine, have since been implemented to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
Eastplats is also instituting full baseline testing of staff and contractors for Covid-19. It has prepared and is undertaking additional training and education, and targets a restart of chrome concentrate production by June 20.
The consequences of the temporary shutdown are expected to be minimal. However, the effects of Covid-19 are changing rapidly and, if the shutdown is extended, the effects cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, but could have material adverse effects on the company's business and cashflows, Eastplats says.