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First Quantum shuts Ravensthorpe nickel plant due to acid spill

Last updated: 04:21 16 Dec 2014 AEDT, First published: 05:21 16 Dec 2014 AEDT

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First Quantum Minerals (TSE:FM)(LON:FQM) said it has shut down its Ravensthorpe nickel operation in western Australia after a structural failure to its atmospheric leach tank resulted in a spill. 

The company said the tank contained acid-leaching nickel in slurry, but the spill has been contained within the plant's protective bunded area. 

All personnel were accounted for and no injuries were reported, it added. 

First Quantum is not expecting any adverse environmental impacts based on the information received so far, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the failure.

The company was unable to provide estimates on the duration of the shutdown or the impact on the mine's production. More updates are expected when available, it said.

Shares rose 5.2 percent to C$17.28 in Toronto as of 1:00pm ET on Monday.


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