By Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Ramu NiCo Management says the El Nino experienced in the last 5 months has not seriously affected its Kurubukari Mine operation.
According to the management, the water level at Gagaya River is dropping but its reserved dam is able to stabilize the situation with required water quantity.
The KBK mine is operating at 87%, only 3% away from reaching its 90% target.
Mine Executive Manager Meng Deyong says pro-longed dry season may have impacts to reach the 100 per cent design capacity.
Mr Deyong also said the mine is coping to balance water usage to its operation, employees and nearby communities.
“We have four streams at the moment but sometimes we stop two streams and operate only two due to water shortage,” Mr. Meng said.
With the inclusion of hydro mining in KBK Mine two years ago, the demand for water has increased forcing the management to stop hydro mining every eight hours daily to allow the washing drums to operate smoothly while the water reserve builds up.
