MMG confirmed today that it was making good progress at the site of the spill it experienced on Monday 5 October on the slurry pipeline connecting its mining operations at Lawn Hill to its port facility at Karumba.
Equipment was mobilised to the area yesterday to access the pipeline fault and map out and chart the spill area. As previously advised the area has been fenced off to isolate any cattle on the property from the area and bunded to prevent the further spread of the spill, as can be seen in the attached photos.
Canvas bladders will be placed into the pipeline today to isolate the affected area and allow investigation into the source of the fault to commence. This is being undertaken by a dedicated team and industry experts that have been mobilised to the site. Once the fault is identified we will be able to determine an appropriate course of action and timing for repair and restart of the pipeline.
Consultation with the pastoral lease owners and Department of Environment & Resource Management is ongoing to determine the best approach to manage the clean up.
MMG Century General Manager John Lamb said that the company planned to clean up the spill as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“We are committed to cleaning up the site to the satisfaction of the regulator and the pastoralists,” said John today.
“I have inspected the area today and spoke to the pastoralists on Wednesday. We had a very constructive conversation. They obviously have some natural concerns about their cattle, estimated to be around 10-20, that came in contact with the spill. We have offered any assistance and help they require including access to vetinary services to determine any toxilogical impacts.”
MMG reaffirmed that the pipeline is subject to monitoring and testing along its entire length to ensure its integrity and is also subject to regular inspections. The inspection regime is also audited annually by the appropriate authorities.
“We are very concerned that this has occurred and will be taking every precaution to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” said John.
“We are reviewing the incident, repair and clean up process with the Department of Environment and Resource Management as well as representatives from Native Title groups.”
“MMG takes its environmental obligations very seriously. Our focus now is on developing effective clean up and repair schedules to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.”
Aerial view of spill with fence and bund.
On the ground fence and bunding.
High resolution images available.
For further information:
Sally Cox
Communications Manager
T 03 9288 0850 / 0417 144 524
E sally.cox@mmgroupltd.com
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