Barrick Gold Corp. says in a press release a mechanical issue at the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic is expected to result in reduced production at the operation until mid-January 2016. Pueblo Viejo is a joint venture owned by Barrick (60 percent) and Goldcorp Inc. (40 percent).
Two of three electric motors at the mine’s oxygen plant experienced an unexpected failure on November 19 and have been shipped to a specialized facility in the United States for repair. One motor remains operational. The plant provides the oxygen required for the autoclave processing facility that treats Pueblo Viejo’s refractory ore. Until the damaged motors are repaired, the autoclave facility will operate at a reduced capacity. The cause of the motor failure is currently under investigation.
