Ship prang brings operations to a standstill at one of the world’s largest manganese mines
Operations at a mine in the north of Australia were suspended yesterday after a Cypriot-flagged bulk carrier, buffeted by strong cyclone winds, rammed into a pier.
Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO), jointly owned by South32 and Anglo-American, was forced to stop operations after the 189 m long Anikitos bulker caused “severe damage” to a pier at the mine’s export facility, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The area had been hit by a cyclone over the weekend.
bulker caused “severe damage” to a pier at the mine’s export facility, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The area had been hit by a cyclone over the weekend.The owner and insurer of the vessel, laden with manganese ore, are working with tug providers to arrange tugs to assist the vessel with shifting from its current location alongside the wharf to a safe anchorage.
In a statement yesterday, South32 said it had temporarily suspended operations on Groote Eylandt, one of the world’s largest manganese projects.
Images show that part of a pier has fallen down into the ocean, while the ship, insured by NorthStandard, is reported to be in a stable condition.
‘ while the ship, insured by NorthStandard, is reported to be in a stable condition.’
What about H&M?
So, she was laden and leaving the berth in a cyclone? Bit risky.
Shifting the vessel from berth to the anchorage with the assistance of tugs in full force of the cyclone is rather risky than utilizing / holding the vessel alongside the berth until weather subside and safe to do so.
The mine’s operations were suspended before the cyclone . The ship damaged the birth during the cyclone. Damage to the birth will not stop mine operations until product stockpile is at capacity.