Besra announced the temporary suspension of its operations at Bong Mieu in central Vietnam from 14.00 on November 16, 2013. The company has had to suspend operations after several landslides cut roads between the site and the provincial capital of Tam Ky, preventing employees and supplies from accessing the site. The main transport road within the site has also suffered substantial damage and is presently unusable.

The landslides and road closures are a direct result of extremely heavy rains caused by two typhoons that have passed over or near central Vietnam in the last month. Typhoon Nari hit Da Nang City on October 15 and more recently tropical storm Haiyan (formerly Super Typhoon Haiyan) passed by the central coast around November 15. Heavy rainfall from Tropical Depression Podul that passed through the province on November 15 also caused widespread flooding in Quang Nam province.

Because of the extent of the damage, the Company is unable to give a definite date when operations will recommence. It is working with local authorities and will provide further information as it becomes available. In the meantime, the company is investigating cover under its production interruption insurance.