nuclear-news

The fire in Rossing uranium mine

Inferno engulfs Rössing uranium mine February 13th, 2015 | by New Era Staff Reporter By Eveline de KlerkWALVIS BAY – Rio Tinto Rössing uranium mine was dealt a heavy blow yesterday at around lunchtime when a massive fire broke out at the mine.

The fire started at the final product recovery (FPR) plant of the mine, where uranium oxide is packed for export.
Although the fire was contained about two hours later, fears of a possible radiation leak and or radiation exposure was a huge concern among some employees, especially those directly employed at FPR.

Some employees of the mine yesterday said they were worried about radiation leakage although the mine’s emergency service responded quickly and evacuated all workers to designated assembly points on time.

“The fire happened very quickly and spread rapidly within the recovery plant and our guys had to call the fire brigades from Swakopmund and Arandis to assist. Our only worry now is the possibility of a radiation leakage as this is the final plant where we pack uranium,” one miner said.

When asked about the cause of the fire and the possibility of a radiation leakage, the public relations officer of the mine, Botha Ellis, said the mine’s management was assessing and monitoring the situation……..http://www.newera.com.na/2015/02/13/inferno-engulfs-rossing-uranium/

February 16, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general