Management at the Tormin mineral sands mine in South Africa, held by ASX-listed Mineral Commodities’ 50%-owned subsidiary Mineral Sands Resources (MSR), have reported that there has been damage to the liner of the main seawater storage dam that provides water for processing.

While the investigation, inspection and assessment of repairs are being conducted, alternative water arrangements are being planned to allow production to continue and with a focus on minimising the impact on volumes.

Options being assessed include diverting seawater intake to the lower-capacity settlement ponds, processing beach material and mined-grade coarse tailings and beach or garnet material.

The damaged liner has allowed water ingress underneath the liner causing some minor erosion and the tensioning of the liner resulting in minor cracking adjacent to the liner edge.

Action has been immediately taken to begin draining the dam, the company says, which will prevent further tensioning and damage to the liner and will allow close inspection of the extent of the damage and assessment of the repair work that will be necessary.

The dam is also being monitored closely for signs of deterioration or movement.

There was no indication of any damage to the dam wall in an inspection on March 21, the company points out.

External expertise has been sourced including geotechnical specialists and a local contractor with expertise in dam liner repair or replacement.

While draining the dam will take a few days, it is difficult to predict accurately at this early stage how long it will take for repairs to be made, the company informs.

The overriding objective of the action taken and planned is to prevent further deterioration or damage to the dam, while limiting production impacts.

“This is obviously disappointing news. However, I know the management and staff at Tormin will give this matter urgent priority and take action to prevent further deterioration, repair the dam and to return to normal operations as soon as possible,” says CEO Scott Lowe.