PTFI conducts thorough inspection
Wednesday, June 5 2013 - 08:41 AM WIB
The company said in a press statement on Wednesday that the inspection consists of visual check, equipment utilization like the GPR (ground penetration radar), seismic and prism survey in the complex?s permanent facilities, production area, services area and the active development tunnel within DMLZ and Grasberg Block Cave (GBC).
The main priority was to perform an inspection of the permanent facilities within its underground complex and all areas that have higher employee density like dining hall, religious places, workshop, warehouse, mining area and main entrance. This is to ensure that all underground facilities are in stable condition and have adequate ground support to allow comfortable working space for employees to perform their work safely.
The mine inspectors from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) have also completed their initial investigation of the Big Gossan underground training facility on May 23rd 2013 and provided recommendations, which have been implemented, including the inspection by the company.
?The results of our internal inspections confirm that overall underground mine facilities are safe. However, there are some facilities that are still closed for further inspection and repair in adherence to the K3 (Safety and Health) standards,? said Mine General Manager Nurhadi Sabirin.
Since May 31st 2013, the independent investigation team set up by the government has also begun its own investigation, which includes a review of rock support in the underground area. ?We will continue to extend our support and assistance to this team to perform their investigation in PTFI?s mining area, and will ultimately follow up their recommendations when presented,? he said.
The Company has continued to perform approved maintenance activities at the open pit and the underground mining areas in order to preserve the assets and to ensure safe operating conditions upon return to operations. Resuming production will be based on the recommendations from the Independent Investigation Team appointed by the minister of energy and mineral resources.
Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.