An extended period of rainfall across Queensland between late January and mid-March has seen the suspension of operations at 29Metal’s Capricorn copper mine.
The decision was made in the interest of safety for those on site.
“The decision to suspend operations has not been taken lightly, particularly because of the impact it will have on our team at Capricorn copper who have worked tirelessly following the extreme weather event in March 2023, as well as the local community, our contractors, and the businesses across the region and the state of Queensland that support the site,” 29Metals managing director and chief executive officer Peter Albert said.
“Unfortunately, the combination of elevated water levels at the beginning of the wet season (as a result of the event a year ago) and the sustained rainfall since late January this year has more than offset our successes reducing water levels through mechanical evaporation and authorised releases of treated water within prescribed limits.”
Albert said 29Metals would continue to progress the growth potential at the site during the suspension, with targeted exploration activity currently underway.
“The duration of the suspension will be dependent on a number of factors, including reducing the water levels held on site and securing the regulatory approvals required to set Capricorn copper on a sustainable footing,” he said. “29Metals’ objective will be to ensure the period of suspension is as short as possible.
“Planning for the restart will start almost immediately and we will use this pause in operations to build back stronger and set Capricorn copper up for the future.”
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