Magellan Metals

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Magellan Metals operates a lead mine at Wiluna in Western Australia^[1] which has been associated with several health and safety breaches since 2004. A state parliamentary inquiry recently investigated the deaths of 4000 birds, high blood-lead levels in Esperance residents, and the poisoning of the town's water tanks in January 2007. The primary cause of the problems was lead being transported 900km from Wiluna to the Esperance port in dusty granules, instead of heavier pellets, with prevailing winds blowing lead dust back over the town.^[2] Magellan was banned from exporting lead though Esperance after the lead dust contamination, and the government has spent nearly $8 million on the clean up in Esperance.^[3]

[edit] References

1. ^ Magellan operation
2. ^ Officials knew of lead risk breaches
3. ^ Magellan Metals should pay for Esperance clean up: Greens