A severe tropical cyclone named Megan slammed into northern Australia on Monday, causing significant disruptions to a key manganese mining and export facility.
The Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO), co-owned by mining giants South32 and Anglo-American, was forced to suspend operations at its manganese mine on Groote Eylandt island due to the cyclone’s impact.
Reports indicate that the storm’s powerful winds and heavy rainfall resulted in structural damage to GEMCO’s export wharf. The Australian Financial Review released photos showing the Cyprus-registered bulk carrier Anikitos being driven into the wharf, with unconfirmed claims of potential hull breaches.
Assessments are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage and any required repairs.
Groote Eylandt, located in the Gulf of Carpentaria approximately 400 miles east of Darwin, is a critical hub for Australian manganese production and exports. The island is responsible for exporting over 5.9 million tonnes of manganese annually, with a significant portion destined for China. Typical monthly shipments involve 10 to 12 vessels carrying upwards of 50,000 tonnes each.
While the island avoided a direct hit from Cyclone Megan, the intense winds and deluge tested the resilience of GEMCO’s infrastructure. As the region’s sole manganese mining operator, any prolonged disruption could potentially impact global supply chains for this vital metal.
In preparation for the severe weather, mining company Glencore proactively evacuated workers from its zinc operation in the region. As Cyclone Megan weakens while moving inland, authorities and mining companies are assessing the full extent of the damage and planning recovery efforts.
