Ramu NiCo confirms refinery operation as stable

THE Basamuk Refinery is operating normally after Saturday’s slurry spill incident, says Ramu Nico vice-president Wang Baowen.
He reported that on Saturday at around 4.40am, an environment incident was encountered at the plant; a portion of slurry from a slurry neutralisation surge tank overflowed and was not fully contained within the plant boundary and the plant DSTP system was functioning normally – the spill that occurred was not from the DSTP outfall system. “The non-contained slurry spilled into the Basamuk harbour and shoreline was from a drainage system. It discoloured the sea water into a maroon red, which was visible in that area for at least two days,” Baowen said.
“Emergency measures were undertaken on site by relevant departments and slurry leakage was resolved from drain and the failed operational system restored at around 5.14am. Cepa and MRA (Minerals Resources Authority) were informed within 24 hours of the incident.”