BNL executive managing director, Richmond Fenn said the earthquake epicentre was located approximately 90km south west of the Porgera mine, close to its power generation plant at Hides.
“While the mine itself appears to have been unaffected by the quake, our primary power generating facility located some distance away in Hides has sustained damage, and is now offline,” Mr Fenn said.
“The mine is now operating on back-up power, while some production activities has been suspended to conserve power.
“No employees were injured during the earthquake or during the subsequent aftershocks,” he said.
The mine had sent a team to the Hides facility to assess the damage.
“Following that assessment we will have a much clearer picture of what repairs may be required, and how long the Hides facility may be offline.
Mr Fenn said further updates will be provided once checks are done.
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