Samancor Chrome takes responsibility for tailings dam collapse

Samancor Chrome has accepted full responsibility for the collapse of a tailings dam facility at its Dikwena Chrome mine near Brits in the North West province. The failure occurred on August 13 at Dam 1B of the storage facility, which was operated by contractor One Chrome.

The incident resulted in muddy sludge spilling onto roads, a railway line, and Eskom power lines, as well as entering a nearby river. The spill also affected the neighboring Eland mine, owned by Northam Platinum. While Northam Platinum temporarily halted underground operations at the Maroelabult section as a precaution, operations have since resumed.

No fatalities or injuries have been reported. Samancor CEO Desmond McManus stated that the company is currently assessing rehabilitation costs and repairing electrical infrastructure and access roads to prevent further contamination.

South African government officials, including Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, have visited the site. Investigations have been launched by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Limpopo-Olifants Catchment Management Agency.