Add Category
A bulk carrier loaded with 41,000 tonnes of manganese ore has crashed into mining company South32's loading wharf on the remote Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, causing "severe damage".
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed to ABC Rural the 189-metre MV Anikitos was alongside the wharf at Alyangula when Cyclone Megan hit the region over the weekend.
"On Saturday and Sunday [March 16-17], the vessel experienced severe weather of 100kph winds and 4m seas due to cyclonic weather in the area. The weather has now abated," an AMSA spokesperson said.
"The wharf has sustained severe damage, and the ship remains alongside.
"The vessel is loaded with 41,140 metric tonnes of manganese ore, 1,070 tonnes of low sulphur fuel and 109 tonnes of diesel."
They said AMSA had completed oil spill trajectory models and provided the results to the state government.
"The owners and insurers of the vessel are corresponding with tug providers to arrange tugs to assist the vessel with shifting from its current location alongside the wharf to a safe anchorage," the spokesperson said.
Mining operation suspended
In a statement to the ASX on Monday, South32 seemed to play down the extent of the damage, saying it had temporarily suspended operations on Groote Eylandt.
"The safety of our people and the community on Groote Eylandt is our priority," it said.
"Initial inspections indicate the cyclone has caused structural damage to the wharf. The full impact of the damage and subsequent disruption to production and sales values will be assessed when access to the port and other infrastructure is restored."
The mine on Groote Eylandt is one of the world's largest manganese projects, exporting 5.9 million tonnes last financial year worth more than $1.5 billion.
'Ridiculous' ship wasn't moved
A spokesperson for South32 said mining operations remained suspended but the company would "return to safe operations as soon as possible".
"We are aware of some commentary and rumours regarding GEMCO's future, and stress that any suggestion that GEMCO will not reopen is false," the South32 spokesperson said.
South32 has previously said it expected mining activity to cease by 2030, but locals have raised concerns the accident could prematurely end mining.
A Groote Eylandt source told ABC Rural, "everyone on the island is fearful this could be the end of the mine".
The source said it was "ridiculous" the bulk carrier was not moved as the cyclone approached.
"Management weren't prepared for the cyclone and they have a lot of questions to answer," they said.
"It been smashing into the wharf for days — there are still bits falling off the wharf."
ABC Rural has been told Groote Eylandt only has enough diesel to run power generators for the next 20 days.
It is not known what contingencies are in place to deliver diesel to Groote Eylandt if the port is damaged.
Vessel 'stable'
In a statement, the NT's Department of Environment said it was monitoring the situation and the MV Anikitos was "stable in location".
"There is no leak of fuels or oils at this time," it said.
"The ship's master is working to resolve the situation to move the ship away from the damaged wharf as soon as practicable.
"The Territory [government] is planning a response should there be a leak, working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for support if required.
"With the weather settling in the area, and with actions taken to date, there is an unlikely risk of a leak occurring at all."
Sealink ferry in doubt
Meanwhile, ABC Rural has been sent pictures of what appears to be the Sealink Ferry at Groote Eylandt taking on water.
In a statement, Sealink said it was aware of "reports that the MV Duffy has sustained damage from the impacts of Cyclone Megan".
However, it said the vessel "was securely moored".
"Air and road access to Groote Eylandt remains closed, which is preventing inspection of the vessel at this time," it said.
"When access to Groote Eylandt is possible, our team are ready to assess the damage."
Stories from farms and country towns across Australia, delivered each Friday.