September 08, 2008

BHPB halts manganese mining operations in South Africa

It is reported that BHPB has stopped mining at its South African manganese mines due to a power crisis that has gripped the country, but its coal mines in the country were in production.

Ms Bronwyn Wilkinson a spokeswoman of BHPB said "No mining is taking place at the manganese mines in Hotazel. We cannot be certain how long this situation will prevail.”

BHP's 60% owned global manganese ore and alloy business comprises operations in South Africa and Australia and is the world's largest integrated producer of manganese units.