Sibanye Stillwater has confirmed the suspension of production from the Siphumelele shaft at its PGM operations in Rustenburg, South Africa.
The company said 20 March that “damage to surface infrastructure” was sustained 29 February.
Specifically, an ore collector bin attached to the shaft headgear sheared off and fell to ground, damaging a surface ore conveyor belt system.
While no injuries were reported, the incapacitation of the ore collector bin and collapse of the conveyor system necessitated suspension of production.
“Investigations into the cause of the incident are underway and the impact on annual production from the Siphumelele shaft is being assessed,” the company said, noting that its stakeholders as well as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and representative unions have been informed.
The Siphumelele shaft was forecast to produce an average of approximately 4,500 4Eoz per month or 54,000 4Eoz for 2024, or approximately 3.5% of annual production from the SA PGM operations, excluding third-party processing.
Officials said it will communicate further details on the stoppage as it becomes available.
Sibanye-Stillwater is a top global producer of platinum, palladium and rhodium and is a top tier gold miner.
Source: Sibanye-Stillwater