Russian palladium and high-grade nickel producer Nornickel recently suspended production at its Oktyabrsky and Taimyrsky mines. On February 12, during drifting operations, natural groundwater inflow was detected at the 350-meter level in the Oktyabrsky mine’s hanging wall. The company partially shut down operations at the mine until the flooding ceases. Operations at the Taimyrsky mine have also been partially suspended, since the two mines are connected.
“We are currently installing a cofferdam to stop further water inflow,” Nornickel First Vice President and COO Sergey Dyachenko said. “Once [it] is in place, we will be able to estimate the amount of accumulated [water] and enhance response efforts to drain the workings as quickly as possible.”
Last week, a building at an ore reloading facility and an adjoining walkway collapsed at the Norilsk Concentrator during repairs to reinforce the structure. Six contractors were buried. Four people were pulled out from under the rubble. One of them sustained serious injuries and died in the hospital. The search for the other two continues.
Nornickel said it is investigating the causes of the incident.
In related news, Nornickel said it will not appeal and will comply with a judgment issued February 12 by the Arbitrazh Court of the Krasnoyarsk region in relation to the May 2020 massive diesel spill that fouled waterways. The company was fined more than $1.9 billion for its role in the spill at the Norilsk plant. According to local media reports, more 21,000 metric tons of diesel leaked into the rivers and soil.
“We welcome this decision as this will enable Nornickel to move on and concentrate its efforts on the execution of its ambitious sustainable development strategy, which was presented to the investment community last December,” said Gareth Penny, chairman of the Nornickel Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board, I can confirm that the management has our full support in these efforts and that we appreciate the commitment of all to achieve these goals.”
