"A team consisting of geotechnical and mining engineers, supported by third party experts have recommended the construction of an access ramp onto the top of the failed mass to enable safe access to the affected areas," Vedanta Zinc International said.

The mine shutdown helped push prices for zinc, a metal used to galvanise steel, to an 18-month high last week.

At full production capacity in phase 1, Gamsberg will produce 250 000 t/y of zinc in concentrate, according to Vedanta`s website.