Fire at mine still burns as work goes on
2013-02-26 13:39
Johannesburg - The fire at Sibanye Gold Beatrix mine, in
Welkom, has not been extinguished, but production has resumed in unaffected
areas, the company said on Tuesday.
"Sibanye Gold wishes to confirm that partial
production has resumed at Beatrix Four Shaft on Monday," said spokesperson
James Wellsted.
Operations were suspended on 20 February, following a
fire which affected part of the shaft.
"Beatrix management has isolated and sealed off the
affected area. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels confirm that there is
no leakage on the seals."
He said the morning shift resumed operations in the
unaffected working areas.
Crews from the affected area had been redirected to gold
recovery activities in older working areas.
"The fire has not yet been extinguished and
management is unsure when it will be able to resume operations in that area or
the extent of the damage, which may result in partial sterilisation of the ore
body."
- SAPA
