8th Mar 2019 11:28
LONDON (Alliance News) - A "security incident" has led to waste water spilling into the environment at Acacia Mining PLC's North Mara gold mine, the company confirmed on Friday.
Acacia said it made the statement in response to media reports the government of Tanzania has given it until the end of March to resolve the matter, or North Mara will be closed.
Reuters on Friday reported that Doto Biteko, Tanzania's mining minister, had told Acacia it has until the end of March to stop the spillage.
Acacia said the spillage is due to a security incident in which sections of pipe used to transport water from the polishing pond to the tailings storage facility were either vandalised or stolen.
Acacia switched off the pump used to transport water, which meant the pond overflowed, but spillage has now been stopped.
"The mine has welcomed the support of the government on resolving this issue, and is working closely with the authorities to implement improvements to security measures around the polishing pond in order to help prevent any reoccurrence," said Acacia.
Seepage is to be contained on site in future, Acacia said, and Acacia is currently planning and designing a new tailings storage facility at the mine.
Shares were 1.9% lower on Friday at a price of 202.70 pence each.
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