GOLD: Veladero mine resumes full production

ARGENTINA – An Argentine judge has lifted the stop work order at the Veladero gold mine high in the Andes Mountains. The order banned the addition of reagents to the heap leach circuit following a cyanide spill caused by a faulty valve on Sept. 13, 2015.

Barrick Gold of Toronto said it immediately initiated downstream water monitoring, including testing by an independent third party. No health risk to the nearby communities was found. The findings are consistent with independent water testing results released by other third parties in San Juan province, including the public health department and the state water distribution company, added the company.

As much as 1.0 million litres of cyanide escaped. Barrick has implemented further preventive measures and controls to prevent similar issues in the future. Gold production from the mine is expected to meet guidance this year.

Learn more about the Veladero mine at Barrick.com.