A week of heavy rains over Limpopo’s platinum group metals (PGM) mines forced the suspension of all operations at Anglo American Platinum’s (Amplats) Amandelbult Complex on Thursday.
Following a four-day halt in production, operations at the Dishaba mine resumed on Monday, while operations at the Tumela mine, which contributes about 10% of the group’s total monthly production, remained suspended.
Amplats said on Monday that a detailed impact assessment and recovery plan for Tumela was under way, but the temporary setback was not expected to affect the group’s 2025 production guidance of 3-3.4 million PGM ounces.
According to Amplats, the region experienced significant rainfall over the past week, with the overflow of nearby river systems compounded by the collapse of the Bierspruit dam near Swartflip last Thursday.
The dam collapse caused water ingress at Tumela, overwhelming its pumping capacity and flooding its main pumping station, while the Dishaba mine was largely unaffected.
“The successful implementation of the emergency preparedness plans, including temporary suspension of all operations at the Amandelbult Complex on Thursday, February 20, ensured the safe evacuation of all employees and contractors,” the company said.
“The safety of all our employees and surrounding host communities is of the highest priority and we are, together with the authorities, ensuring that support is provided to those most affected by the floods.”
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