Fresnillo to continue operations at Saucito mine in Mexico City following burst pipe

Fresnillo has said that it will not suspend operations at its Saucito mine in Mexico City after a pipeline burst.

On 6 December, the pipe burst while pumping a non-toxic solution from the beneficiation plant to the tailings dam.

The pipe leaked non-toxic solution at the silver and gold mine.

The Mexican Environmental Authority PROFEPA said that the spill affected 8,000m² of industrial land and 1,600m² adjacent to the mining company.

Fresnillo said the company immediately informed the authorities, which have concluded from an initial review that the situation is of a limited scale.

The company remediated 85% of the affected area and also does not expect any material financial impact or loss of production as a result of the incident.

The company said in a statement: "Fresnillo remains committed to the highest standards of operating and environmental best practice in accordance with our previously stated policies, and an investigation into the reasons behind this incident is underway."

Image: Saucito is an underground silver mine in operation since 2011. Photo: © Fresnillo plc.