Rapu Rapu suspended over discharges
In October/November, Lafayette Mining suspended processing activities at its Rapu Rapu polymetallic mine in the central Philippines whilst it investigated two discharges of process water. At the time, Rapu Rapu was moving from a dedicated gold production phase to base metals production. The company had ceased operation from the gold plant as it transferred the grinding circuit to the base metals flotation plant.
Lafayette says “two separate discharge events took place within the mine area, with minimal adverse environmental effects. The company has designed its facilities to world standards and recognizes that no uncontrolled discharge is acceptable. The company is working closely with the responsible national authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the local communities to investigate these events, remediate any adverse impacts and, importantly, ensure there is no re-occurrence.”
“The first incident occurred within the gold processing plant on October 11 when the events pond over-topped, releasing some 5 m3 of material. This contained low levels of residual cyanide. The material had been processed through a cyanide destruction facility before the uncontrolled release. The overflow occurred when one of the pumping systems was shut down with insufficient holding capacity to retain the volume of material contained within the system. After MGB investigation of the incident and assessment of the water quality around site, approval was given to continue operations. This was a minor operating event, of minimal impact to the Company.
“The second event took place on November 1 following a sustained period of torrential rain. Management elected to suspend operations during this period. The increased water in the catchment system necessitated a controlled discharge, allowable under the operational permits of the tailings retention system. We are currently working with government authorities to determine if there were any adverse environmental impacts.”
“The company does not anticipate that the review required by the MGB will materially impact on the timing of the commissioning of the base metal plant.”