Failures of Eskom transmissions adversely affected Two Rivers Mine
While all South African operations were impacted by Eskom load curtailment in March 2021, Implat’s Two Rivers was adversely affected by a series of failures and required repairs to the regional transmission network, further impacting operating capacity during the quarter. In addition, community unrest and protests were a notable feature in the quarter, impacting employee attendance and operational continuity.
QUARTER ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Total tonnes milled declined by 1% to 798 000 tonnes, while milled grade of 3.50g/t improved by 1%, resulting in unchanged 6E production in concentrate of 71 000 ounces. In the prior comparable period, an estimated 6% of production volume, equating to 4 500 ounces 6E, was foregone due to the implementation of care and maintenance ahead of the start of the national lockdown.
NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Production in the prior comparable period was heavily impacted by extended maintenance and metallurgical challenges at the concentrator plant in Q1 FY2020. In the nine-month period, the delayed return of foreign workers and resultant impact on returning to a full labour complement, together with power-supply interruptions, resulted in a 1% decrease in tonnes milled to 2.43 million tonnes. Marginally lower milled grade was offset by improved plant recoveries and 6E production in concentrate of 222 000 ounces increased by 6%.
