Glencore's KCC mine in Congo had acid spill on March 16
KINSHASA - Glencore's GLEN.L Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) mine in the Congo had a "limited release" of sulphuric acid from a tank during maintenance work on March 16, the commodities trading giant said on Tuesday.
Glencore declined to say how much acid was spilled from the
tank, but said KCC immediately contained the spill and conducted follow-up
monitoring of the environment, and there were no injuries to the workforce or
contractors.
"At approximately 7pm on 16 March, KCC experienced a
limited release of acid from Tank Farm 1 during maintenance work. There was no
explosion," Glencore said in a statement.
"Follow-up with the community was conducted to advise
of the event and our community officers have not registered any complaints nor concerns
from their engagement with the surrounding communities."
Glencore's statement came after Congolese non-governmental
organisation AFREWATCH said a tank containing sulphuric acid had exploded at
KCC, causing acid to spill into nearby rivers, and called for an investigation.
Mines minister Willy Kitobo Samsoni told Reuters
investigations are underway.
Glencore said KCC continues to engage with local authorities
and communities regarding the incident, and hosted a site visit by the
Department of the Environment last month.
KCC, which is 75% owned by Glencore subsidiary Katanga
Mining with the remainder held by Congo's state mining company Gecamines,
produces copper and cobalt near Kolwezi, the capital of Congo's Lualaba
province.
KCC produced 23,900 tonnes of cobalt in 2020, up 40% in the
previous year.
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