Mining recommences at Cadia

Mining was suspended following damage to a tailings dam wall on 9 March.

According to the company, the breakthrough was and remains contained within the southern tailings facility. No injuries occurred as a result of the event and Newcrest continues to believe there is no ensuing threat to personal safety.

Newcrest has now recommenced mining operations at Cadia East. The company said in a statement that: "Pursuant to a predefined test and response programme, mining will initially be from Panel Cave 1 and then progressively recommence from Panel Cave 2. Mined ore will be stockpiled at surface until processing recommences."

Processing remains suspended however, and work is being undertaken on multiple recovery scenarios, including alternative tailings locations such as the old Cadia Hill open pit. The company is working with New South Wales regulators on permitting the Cadia Hill open pit tailings option and has commenced procurement of some of the necessary equipment to allow this possibility to be utilised if approved. A prohibition notice issued on depositing tailings in the northern tailings facility remains in place.

The company has indicated that it is too early for a revision to the forecast for its 2018 fiscal guidance to be made.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/30032018/mining-recommences-at-cadia/