Sibanye-Stillwaters halts Australian unit operations in the wake of bushfire

Feyisayo Ajayi -
Key Points
  • Sibanye-Stillwater halts operations at its Century site in Australia due to a regional bushfire, with production resuming expected by November 16, 2024.
  • Critical infrastructure remains secure; however, extensive damage to surface piping systems has led to an estimated shortfall of 9,680 payable tonnes of zinc.
  • Neal Froneman highlights climate change risks, stressing the company's commitment to sustainability amid recent operational disruptions.

Sibanye-Stillwater, the multinational precious metal mining company led by South African executive Neal Froneman, has suspended operations at its Century site in Queensland, Australia, following significant disruptions caused by a regional bushfire over the weekend.

Fortunately, all personnel were accounted for and unharmed as operational teams worked to mitigate the fire's impact on the site and surrounding areas.

Bushfire disrupts zinc production operations

The company confirmed that critical infrastructure, including the processing plant, hydro mine, airport, underground slurry pipeline, and camp, remained secure.

However, the bushfire caused extensive damage to surface piping systems, which are essential for operations at the Century site, the largest tailings retreatment operation in Australia and one of the top 15 zinc producers globally.

Replacement pipes have been ordered, but full production is not expected to resume until Nov. 16, 2024. As a result of the disruption, Sibanye-Stillwater projects a shortfall of approximately 9,680 payable tonnes of zinc production in the fourth quarter.

Neal Froneman warns of climate change risks

Reflecting on the incident, Neal Froneman, who has been CEO since 2013, stated, "This incident underscores the growing threat of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events."

He emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and responsible resource stewardship. The Century operation had only recently recovered from earlier disruptions due to heavy rains in Q1 2024.

Sibanye's leadership faces significant hurdles

Despite these challenges, Neal Froneman continues to steer Sibanye-Stillwater through difficult times. Earlier this month, the company faced a court ruling requiring it to pay damages after canceling a $1.2 billion deal for Brazilian nickel and copper mines.

Under Neal Froneman’s leadership, Sibanye reported a R7.14 billion ($379 million) loss in the first half of 2024, down from a profit of R7.8 billion ($427 million) in the same period of 2023

Despite this setback, Sibanye-Stillwater remains a global leader in precious metals and mining, with a diversified portfolio across five continents and a focus on battery metals and recycling, affirming its resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.