Philex Mining Corporation’s Padcal Mine, one of the country’s longest-operating mines, has temporarily scaled back production after a structural support failure disrupted key milling operations.
The incident occurred last Saturday at the mine’s mill plant, specifically affecting the tertiary bins at the Secondary and Tertiary Crushing (STC) section.
“A section of the Mill experienced a structural support failure, particularly in its tertiary bins at the Secondary and Tertiary Crushing (STC),” the company said today in a statement. “Consequently, this affected the vibrating screens of the tertiary crushers and misaligned the connecting conveyors, rendering the entire STC system that feeds to the grinding section non-operational.”
Philex is now employing an alternative milling process at reduced capacity, using the unaffected processing facilities while detailed engineering assessments and repairs are underway. The company assured stakeholders that there are sufficient ore reserves underground to feed the mill using the unaffected underground Cable Hauled Conveyor (CHC) system.
The mining firm emphasized that no injuries, fatalities, or environmental impacts were reported.
Padcal Mine, in operation since 1958, has undergone multiple life-extension projects to optimize its aging facilities. Secondary and Tertiary Crushing serve as intermediate steps between Primary Crushing, which initially reduces ore size from underground, and the Grinding Section, which further processes the ore for extraction.
While Philex works to restore normal operations, the breakdown at the STC system is expected to significantly impact current production levels.
How will this temporary disruption at Padcal influence overall nickel and copper supply in the Philippines? Mining stakeholders and watchers are invited to share their perspectives.
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