Debswana says it has taken a decision to temporarily shut down the Orapa No.1 Plant for up to three (3) months to allow for maintenance to take place.
A statement released by Kesego Okie, Public and Corporate Affairs Manager–Debswana Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines revealed that however the plant employees will continue reporting for duty.
“This follows a recent review of the plant’s general and structural condition which identified that there is a need to embark on more intensive maintenance of the plant. The areas that need attention are broadly the Screening building, Tertiary Crushing building and the Dense Medium Separation building,” Okie said.
She said the temporary shut-down is therefore to enable remedial work at these areas of the plants to take place both quickly and safely.
“All Orapa No.1 Plant employees will continue reporting for duty.”
The Orapa mine has had a strong production performance during the first half of 2013. To help mitigate the production loss that is expected from the shutdown, production at Orapa No.2 Plant will be increased while at the same time increasing treatment of the Old Recovery Tailings.