Capital Metals Plc (AIM: CMET), a mineral sands company approaching mine development stage at its high-grade Taprobane Minerals Project in Sri Lanka (the "Project"), notes the recent severe weather event in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which brought unusually intense rainfall, strong winds and widespread disruption to infrastructure across parts of the country. The Company extends its sincere thoughts to all those affected by this extreme weather event.
Cyclone Ditwah is considered an extremely rare meteorological event for Sri Lanka, with cyclonic systems of this intensity seldom forming so close to the island. Publicly reported data indicates that multiple districts were impacted by flooding, wind damage and temporary displacement of communities, with rainfall totals in some areas recorded at several multiples of seasonal averages and widespread power outages reported nationally.
The Company confirms that all Capital Metals' staff are safe. Personnel in the Eastern Province experienced a loss of grid power for approximately one week, however, power has now been restored to the region. Normal food and fuel supplies are also resuming following temporary disruption.
There has been no impact to the Company's Taprobane Minerals Project area or assets, and the Company does not foresee any material impact to its development plans, however, the government is clearly very focussed on the recovery efforts which are going to take some time. Capital Metals will be assisting with ongoing focussed local area crisis related support efforts.
As a reminder to shareholders, the Taprobane Minerals Project processing plant is being designed with its own off-grid power supply, reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events and mitigating the risk of disruption from any loss of grid power.