Refinery Column Failure Temporarily Reduces Production At Cockle Creek Smelter


Pasminco announced today that it had temporarily closed a refinery column at its Cockle Creek smelter to allow repairs following the discovery of a leakage of zinc from the top section of the column.

The leak was discovered the week prior to Christmas however attempts to stop the leak were unsuccessful. As a result of this failure, refinery output will be limited to approximately 50% - 140 tonnes per day - of refined metal capacity until an alternative column can be brought on-line in about three weeks. Impact on production will be minimal with the shortfall expected to be recovered during the next two months.

The refinery is expected to return to full capacity by 23 January.

Arrangements have been made to ensure customers receive a continuous supply of metal while repairs are completed.



For further information contact:

Peter Griffin
Group Manager - Public Affairs
(03) 9288 0463 or 0419 314 265

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