Palabora - Propagation Of The Underground Cave
Release Date: 04/06/2004 08:01:16 Code(s): PAM
Palabora - Propagation Of The Underground Cave
PALABORA MINING COMPANY LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number :1956/002134/06
Share code: PAM; ARC ISIN: ZAE000005245
(`Palabora`)
PROPAGATION OF THE UNDERGROUND CAVE
As planned, the underground block caving operation has now broken though into
the bottom of the open pit. The breakthrough triggered a re-distribution of the
local ground stresses, which in turn has resulted in an acceleration of the
deterioration of the pit walls, especially along the North West quadrant of the
pit and the propagation of some cracking in the pit and on surface.
Whilst most of the surface cracking is close to the pit, there are some cracks
up to 200m from the pit rim.
Although the cracking is more severe than predicted in the underground mine
feasibility study, there is no threat to the underground infrastructure. The
ground monitoring programme, established in 1980 and used extensively during the
life of the open pit, will now be enhanced to provide real time monitoring of
the situation. The cracks are currently propagating in a controlled manner.
Consultations have taken place and are on-going with Palabora`s neighbouring
mining operations, the Lepelle Water Board, the Inspectorate of Mines, employees
and residents of Phalaborwa Town. Should there be any material developments, all
stakeholders will be informed.
Phalaborwa
4 June 2004
Sponsor:
Barnard Jacobs Mellet Corporate Finance
(Pty) Limited
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