Production stalls at Skorpion mine

PRODUCTION at the Skorpion Zinc Mine in the South ground to a halt almost four weeks ago after a chemical reaction destroyed aluminium cathodes at the mine’s cell house.

The cathodes are used in the zinc-extraction process. “The aluminium cathodes were completely destroyed and the mine’s fire brigade struggled for almost eight hours to drop the extreme heat of the aluminium,” said a mineworker, who did not want his name published.Skorpion General Manager Gerald Boting has confirmed the catastrophe.However, he said no losses were incurred.According to Boting, approximately 6 000 tons of zinc was supposed to be produced since the aluminium cathode breakdown.He added that the mine was capable of increasing the output once it was back in full production.”Chemical reaction is a normal thing at any mine,” he said.According to Boting, the mine’s maintenance team had been busy with repairs since last week.But The Namibian understands the cell house was not operational by yesterday.At full production, the mine should contribute around four per cent of Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product.About 90 per cent of the zinc is exported through the port of Luederitz to Asian, European and North American markets in about equal proportions, with the remaining 10 per cent being delivered to South Africa.”The aluminium cathodes were completely destroyed and the mine’s fire brigade struggled for almost eight hours to drop the extreme heat of the aluminium,” said a mineworker, who did not want his name published.Skorpion General Manager Gerald Boting has confirmed the catastrophe.However, he said no losses were incurred.According to Boting, approximately 6 000 tons of zinc was supposed to be produced since the aluminium cathode breakdown.He added that the mine was capable of increasing the output once it was back in full production.”Chemical reaction is a normal thing at any mine,” he said.According to Boting, the mine’s maintenance team had been busy with repairs since last week.But The Namibian understands the cell house was not operational by yesterday.At full production, the mine should contribute around four per cent of Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product.About 90 per cent of the zinc is exported through the port of Luederitz to Asian, European and North American markets in about equal proportions, with the remaining 10 per cent being delivered to South Africa.