PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Wet weather conditions have temporarily interrupted mining operations at the Mt Boppy gold mine, in New South Wales, however, owner Manuka Resources said that gold production would continue.
The ASX-listed Manuka on Thursday reported that around 100 mm of rain fell over the span of 30 minutes on November 30, bringing total rainfall in the month of November to more than 300 mm.
The high intensity rainfall has resulted in substantial in-pit flooding, along with areas requiring geotechnical assessment. Manuka told shareholders that geotechnical investigations and support have been engaged and are underway.
The body of water in the base of the pit will need removal, outside of normal dewatering activities.
Makuna said on Thursday that the company had prepared its operations for such an eventuality and that 80 000 t of ore had been stockpiled on or near the run-of-mine pad at Mt Boppy. These stockpiles equate to three months production.
While the weather event has temporarily interrupted mining, Manuka does not envisage an interruption to gold production.