Operations at GEMCO remain suspended due to tropical cyclone
South32 Limited provides the following update on operations at Groote Eylandt Mining Company Pty Ltd (GEMCO).
Operations at GEMCO remain temporarily suspended due to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Megan. The safety of its people and the community on Groote Eylandt remains South32 highest priority. Importantly, its workforce is safe and there have been no recordable injuries to personnel at the operations.
As weather conditions have eased on the Eylandt, access to key infrastructure has been restored to enable an initial assessment of impact.
Initial assessments have identified flooding in the mining pits, as well as significant damage to a critical haul road bridge that connects the northern pits of the Western Leases mining area and the processing plant. Significant structural damage to the wharf and port infrastructure has now also been confirmed.
Further assessment of the full impact of the damage is ongoing and will inform recovery plans, with a view to returning to safe operations as soon possible. Alternative shipping arrangements are also being evaluated.
While South32 complete this work, the company are withdrawing guidance for Australia Manganese and will provide a further update in our March 2024 Quarterly Report.
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. The company produces commodities including bauxite, alumina, aluminium, copper, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, metallurgical coal and manganese from our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. South32 also have a portfolio of high-quality development projects and options, and exploration prospects, consistent with its strategy to reshape its portfolio toward commodities that are critical for a low-carbon future.
