(Kitco News) - Yesterday, K92 Mining (TSX: KNT) announced that the Kainantu gold mine, located in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea is operating normally after experiencing a large earthquake yesterday.
In its press-release, the company said that on September 11 at 9:46 am Papua New Guinea time, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded approximately 65 km east of the mine site and at a depth of 90 km.
K92 added that, according to its protocols, operations were briefly suspended to complete the inspection of the underground mine, surface infrastructure and the health and wellbeing of the company's personnel.
The company noted that the underground was inspected and promptly cleared to resume operation, adding that surface infrastructure, including the tailings storage facility which has specialized monitoring equipment installed, reported no significant impacts.
K92 said that the processing plant reported minor damage to two pumps and associated pipes, which resulted in stoppage of approximately 8 hours for repairs. Importantly, there were no injuries to the company's personnel, it added.
CEO John Lewins commented, "The earthquake experienced is one of the largest recorded in the Kainantu region for over one hundred years. The operation considers seismicity in its design and we are pleased with the resilience shown after this earthquake, with the operation quickly resuming after adhering to protocols. We are currently gathering information and engaging with our surrounding communities and will look to be of assistance."
K92 Mining is engaged in the production of gold, copper and silver at the Kainantu gold mine in the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, as well as exploration and development of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the mine. The company declared commercial production from Kainantu in February 2018.
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