A critical structural failure deep within the Padcal Mine in Benguet brought milling operations to a halt, immediately impacting daily production. The incident, occurring on a Sunday, centered around a vital component of the ore processing system – the Secondary and Tertiary Crushing (STC) system.
The STC system is the heart of the mill, relentlessly breaking down ore extracted from the underground mine. It’s a complex sequence of crushing and grinding, preparing the raw material for the final stages of mineral recovery. When the tertiary bins failed, the repercussions were swift and widespread.
Vibrating screens, essential for sorting crushed material, were directly affected. Connecting conveyors, the arteries of the system, were thrown out of alignment. The entire STC system, the gateway to the grinding section, was forced to shut down, creating a significant bottleneck in production.
Engineers are now working to assess the damage and implement repairs, but the company has activated a contingency plan. An alternative milling process, utilizing unaffected parts of the facility, is now running at a reduced capacity, attempting to salvage some output.
Despite the setback, the mine itself remains productive. Sufficient ore is available underground, accessible through a separate conveyor system. However, the breakdown of the STC system represents a substantial blow to current production targets.
Thankfully, the incident was contained without harm. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and there was no discernible environmental impact. This offers a measure of relief amidst the operational disruption.
The Padcal mine boasts a long history, having been in operation since 1958. Over the decades, it has undergone numerous upgrades and expansions, extending its lifespan and maximizing output. But age is presenting challenges.
The company acknowledges that the aging infrastructure is contributing to operational difficulties. Maintaining and repairing a mine of this age requires constant vigilance and investment, a reality that is now acutely apparent.
News of the disruption sent ripples through the Philippine Stock Exchange. Shares in Philex Mining Corp. experienced a significant drop, falling 7.14% to close at P10.66 apiece on Monday, reflecting investor concern.
Philex Mining Corp. is part of a larger network, one of three Philippine units under the umbrella of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and PLDT Inc.
