Toronto-listed Titan Mining on Monday announced the temporary suspension of operations at its Empire State mine (ESM) following historic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Debby.

While there were no injuries to employees or damage to the mobile fleet, floodwater rose in the mine shaft above the crusher level, leading to electrical power failure. Despite the efforts of mine personnel to divert water to mined-out areas, the floodwater caused significant disruptions.

As of Monday morning, power had been partially restored, and floodwaters were receding. The company continued to pump water out of the underground workings.

Titan stated that, once mining operations resumed, ore would be stockpiled underground, as the underground crusher and control room would require an electrical rebuild, which was expected to take four to eight weeks. During this period, there would be no production of zinc concentrate, and as a result, Titan declared force majeure for its contractual concentrate delivery obligations in the near term.

However, the company has kept its production guidance for ESM unchanged for the year, stating that stockpiling ore, combined with excess mill capacity, would enable it to meet its budgeted production for 2024.

In response to the flooding, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide State of Emergency. Titan is in contact with state and federal authorities regarding potential assistance to address business disruptions caused by the flooding.