NORTHWEST ONTARIO - Toronto-based NORTH AMERICAN PALLADIUM announced that there was a leak in the tailings dam at its Lac des Iles mine, 85 km north of Thunder Bay on Saturday, Feb. 4. The leak occurred near the primary crusher in a contained area of the site and it is expected to have no impact on the surrounding environment.
The leak was initially blocked with a mixture of solidified tails and hay, and a dam was built to prevent further flow of water into the milling area. Although the mill and electrical substations were shut down, mining in the pit and underground continued.
North American said the mill was restarted by Friday, Feb 9, but the electrical switchgear tat the primary crusher was badly damaged. The mill was running on crushed ore from a stockpile and the throughput of portable crushers. The primary crusher is scheduled to be online again by Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Jim Excell, president and CEO, stressed, "We are relieved that this has occurred in a contained area of the mine and we are now certain that it does not pose a threat to the surrounding environment. We intend to continue with regular updates on our progress."
Additional updates will be posted at www.NAPalladium.com.
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