The platinum producer North American Palladium (NAP) has temporarily closed a number of operations at its mine, following a leak.

The Canadian company, which is also the country's leading producer of palladium, states that the leak occurred in the tailings dam at its Lac des Iles mine in Ontario.

The breach occurred near the primary crusher on Saturday, causing significant flooding to the area.

The mill's electrical substations and primary crusher have been shut down to protect the equipment, the company says, although both open pit and underground operations continue.

Company president and chief Jim Excel, said: "While we are very concerned with the leak in the tailings management facility, we are relieved that it has occurred in a contained area of the mine and does not pose an immediate threat to the surrounding environment."

The leak is a major blow to the company, as it was hoping to concentrate efforts on production at its new underground mine that opened this year.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd