The Government of Tanzania has ordered London-listed Acacia Mining to resolve an incident that occurred at its North Mara mine and led to the spillage of water into the local environment.
The spillage occurred from a security incident in which portions of the pipe had either been vandalised or stolen. The pipe is used to transport water from the polishing pond to the Tailing Storage Facility (TSF). Following the incident, the pump used to transport water to the TSF was switched off, and the pond subsequently overflowed.
Following remedial actions by the North Mara mine, temporary overspill from the pond has been stopped.
North Mara is currently working with the authorities to implement improvements to security measures around the pond so as to help prevent any reoccurrence.
Acacia said in a statement: “The mine has undertaken to manage all seepage through the use of additional pumps and construction of other containment facilities to return any seepage to the TSF and ensure it is confined to the mine site.
“All seepage will be contained on the site, not flow into the surrounding environment or present a risk of contamination to any public water source.”
In January this year, the government issued a directive to North Mara to construct a new TSF, for which planning and design have already started.
North Mara is also working with the government to progress the construction of the TSF to support its future production plans.
The mine has produced more than two million ounces since commercial production began in 2002.
It is a combined open pit and underground operation from Gokona and Nyabirama deposits.
