Business
Williamson Tailings Storage Facility wall breach
Williamson Tailings Storage Facility wall breach.
About this update from Petra Diamonds Limited
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \n \n \n \n 10 November 2022\n \n \n FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n \n LSE: PDL\n \n \n \n \n Petra Diamonds Limited\n(“Petra”) or the (“Company”)\n Update regarding Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) wall breach at Williamson in Tanzania\n Petra announces an update following the TSF wall breach and flooding event at the Williamson mine.\n Further to its announcement dated 7 November 2022, Petra confirms that no fatalities or serious injuries occurred as a result of the incident. Three injuries of a minor nature have been reported and appropriate treatment has been provided.\n The cause of the breach is not yet confirmed and an investigation is underway comprising technical teams from Williamson Diamonds Limited (WDL) and Petra who are at the site. The services of an independent external specialist have also been retained to assist with WDL’s investigation and who will provide a report to the Petra Board.\n Impact on the environment and local community\n From an initial assessment, supported by the use of satellite imagery, the main portion of the tailings have been contained by the New Alamasi water dam which sits within the Mine Lease Area to the north east of the TSF. A portion of tailings has flowed around the dam into a tributary to the north of the New Alamasi water dam. Flow below the dam consisted mainly of water and was largely contained by the topography.\n WDL is working closely and collaboratively with local, Regional and National authorities to assess the environmental damage and to put in place and implement remediation plans as soon as possible. WDL and Petra appreciate the prompt response and assistance that has been provided by these authorities.\n A total of 13 dwellings have been affected and the emergency response teams’ immediate priority has been to provide accommodation and humanitarian aid to those affected. A socio-economic survey has been initiated, supported by an external social impact specialist, to determine additional social impact. Extensive and ongoing engagement with communities will continue to take place, together with the Government, to ensure that key stakeholders are kept appraised of WDL’s response, including planned remediation activities.\n Technical and Production\n WDL’s technical team with the support of members of Petra’s South African technical team are working together on-site to re...