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(Alliance News) - South32 Ltd said on Wednesday it has withdrawn its annual production guidance for its manganese business Groote Eylandt Mining Co Pty Ltd, which remained temporarily suspended due to Tropical Cyclone Megan.
The Perth-based diversified mining group first reported it had shut down its manganese unit located on an island in Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria, citing the cyclone.
The miner said access to key infrastructure has been restored to enable an initial assessment of the impact of the cyclone, as weather conditions have eased on the Eylandt.
It noted that initial assessments had identified flooding in the mining pits, as well as "significant" damage to a critical haul road bridge that connects the northern pits of the Western Leases mining area and the processing plant. "Significant structural damage to the wharf and port infrastructure has now also been confirmed," it said.
"Further assessment of the full impact of the damage is ongoing and will inform recovery plans, with a view to returning to safe operations as soon possible. Alternative shipping arrangements are also being evaluated," South32 said.
South32 withdrew its annual guidance for Australia Manganese. Last month, it guided for manganese ore production of 3.4 million wet tonnes for the financial year ending June 30, from 3.5 million wet tonnes a year earlier.
The company said it will provide further update when it releases third-quarter results on April 22.
In Sydney, South32 shares fell 4.5% to AUD2.98 on Wednesday.
By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News reporter
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