Mine ready to work with authority on investigation

THE Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd is willing to work with the State-sanctioned investigation into the Aug 24 slurry spill, an official says.
Community affairs deputy general manager Albert Tobe said “the unfortunate spill” at the Basamuk refinery was due to the malfunctioning computer server – known as the decentralised control system – which triggered a chain of events lasting about 48 minutes.
“Currently, we are ready and looking forward to working with the state-sanctioned investigation into the spill and the general environment condition of Basamuk as announced by the Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister Wera Mori,” he said.
“We welcome the investigation which is the legally correct way and comes from the recognised authority.
“The findings of this investigation will put to rest all the allegations.
“A total of 200,000 litres of slurry overflowed from the neutralisation surge tank.
“Around 120,000 litres were contained in the area and an emergency reserve pond and only 80,000 litres reached the sea.”
Tobe said the slurry did not pose any immediate threat to the environment.
“Our initial scientific investigation, with Cepa (Conservation and Environment Protection Authority) indicated no harm to marine life,” he said.
“The company has immediately responded during the slurry spill by identifying the cause.”