By Jane Gerster
Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A. said Thursday it would conduct
an internal investigation into a nitrous oxide leak that occurred
early in the day at its nickel smelter in northern Ontario.
Vale said it declared a level-three emergency around 6 a.m.
local time after the leak, which resulted in a yellow plume above
the area, but has since downgraded the emergency level.
The leak occurred in the acid plant of the company's Sudbury,
Ontario nickel smelter. The plant was closed at the time of the
leak for scheduled maintenance, Vale said.
Vale has a refinery, six mines, a mill and a smelter in
Sudbury.
Following the leak, local police said they blocked off nearby
roads and warned residents to stay inside and turn off air intake
devices such as furnaces and air conditioners. Nitrogen dioxide,
which affects the respiratory system, can be fatal in large
doses.
Police have now lifted road closures and Vale said the mist
resulting from the leak had dissipated. It said there is no risk to
the community and that no injuries have been reported as a result
of the incident.
Write to Jane Gerster at jane.gerster@wsj.com
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