12th Dec 2019 14:49
(Alliance News) - Petra Diamonds Ltd said Thursday it has returned to normal operating levels at its South African operations.
The miner previously had to halt its operations after South African electricity provider Eskom declared a power system emergency. This included an unprecedented move to stage 6 loadshedding, after a shortage of capacity.
Petra Diamonds then restarted operations on Tuesday at a 20% load curtailment, in line with requirements.
On Thursday, however, the miner said it has returned to operating at normal load levels after being given the green light by Eskom.
Eskom late Wednesday said stage two loadshedding will return on Thursday morning, despite some respite overnight.
The electricity provider halted loadshedding at 2100 GMT on Wednesday, but resumed implementing blackouts on 0700 GMT until 2100 GMT on Thursday. Eskom said this is because there are still breakdowns above 9,500 megawatts.
In a press conference on Wednesday, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa's power system constraints was made worse by acts of sabotage.
Shares in Petra Diamonds were 1.5% higher in London on Thursday afternoon at 8.20 pence each.
By Paul McGowan; [email protected]
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