Norilsk partially suspends Oktyabrsky, Taimyrsky mines over flood

MOSCOW, Feb 24 (PRIME) -- Russian metals giant Norilsk Nickel has partially suspended operations of the Oktyabrsky and Taimyrsky mines due to a flood, Norilsk Nickel said in a statement on Wednesday.

On February 12, the company registered an inflow of ground waters following mining works at the Oktyabrsky mine at the depth of 350 meters.

“Due to a higher water inflow to the pumping facilities of the Oktyabrsky mine, and having the safety techniques and regulations and the current legislation in mind, the company decided to suspend work of the mine partially and temporarily until the flood subsides. Works on liquidation of the flood have been started,” the statement read.

The company also said quoting First Vice President Sergei Dyachenko that operations of the Taimyrsky mine was partially suspended because the mines have joint mining tunnels and the water is also flowing to the mine. The consequences of suspension for the company’s metals production forecast will be calculated later, he said.

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