Production delays at troubled mine in east Finland
Production remains stalled at the Talvivaara nickel nine in east Finland following a gypsum pond leak at the facility earlier this month.
Production of nickel ore will not begin again until next summer, despite earlier plans.
Operations will recommence once the open-pit has been de-watered and overall water balance improvement measures have been implemented. The start of uranium production will also be delayed.
A company statement says an environmental permit needed for uranium production will only be granted next May.
Earlier it was thought the mine could get the go ahead as early as next January or February. However, the company says construction of a uranium recovery circuit is proceeding according to plan.
Fourth quarter production of 2,500 tonnes at the mill is well below predictions. An interim report published by the company in early November forecast that output of ore in the final quarter would exceed the 4,000 tonnes extracted in the previous quarter.
Related Items:
Greens: class action lawsuits for environmental offences, Yle News
Troubled mine in east Finland to re-open this week, Yle News
For more stories from Yle News, click here