It is reported that underground operations at Albidon's Munali Nickel Mine in Mazabuka will remain suspended until the mining firm complies with the mine safety standards.
It may be noted that the government suspended Albidon’s mining operations on June 18th 2011 after two sink holes were detected to have caused a fault in the ventilation process.
Mr Mooya Lumamba mines and minerals development director of safety said that Munali Nickel mine operations would remain suspended until the firm comes up with better mining methods. He added that "As you know by now that the second sink hole was detected in July and the mining company is now trying to back seal the sink holes in order to make the underground operation safer."
He said the danger zones have all been fenced off to avoid accidents.
Mr Lumamba said that the mining firm had not yet started full underground production and would remain closed until problems were resolved. However, Mr Lumamba said the mining company was currently undertaking limited blasting in the areas not affected by the fault.
He added that "They have not yet started full production but are currently doing limited blasting in areas that are not affected by the sink holes."
He said officials from a company known as Mining Plus, which did the original design of the mine, were in the country reviewing mining methods being used by the company. He added that "Mining Plus a company which did the design of the mine is still in the country looking at various options on which mining methods to employ."
The Mine Safety Department at the ministry of Mines and Minerals Development was waiting for a detailed report from the consultants. He said the company would only be cleared when detailed reports on what caused the sink hole problem were re examined and resolved.
He said depending on the outcome, the ministry would either give a go ahead or decide otherwise. Mr Lumamba said officials from the ministry of mines are expected to visit Munali Nickel Mine next week.
Munali nickel was expected to produce 900,000 tonnes per annum this year and later increase to 1.2 million tonnes by 2012. Albidon mine has about 50% equity owned by China's Jinchuan Group Minerals Limited.
(Sourced from Times of Zambia)
