Major accidents regulation

Information to Neighbors about Risk Conditions and Preparedness at Glencore Nikkelverk

MAJOR ACCIDENT

Possible scenarios involving substances covered by the Major Accident Regulations:

SPREAD AND RELEASE OF RAW MATERIALS AND PROCESS SOLUTIONS

The company’s raw materials, mainly nickel matte, metal-containing process solutions, and the residual products deposited in rock halls under Tinnheia, are covered by the Major Accident Regulations because the raw materials are classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment and are carcinogenic. It is the large quantities that make these substances major accident chemicals.

The nickel matte arrives at the company as bulk cargo to its own quay in Hannevika or in large bags to Kristiansand port, and is transported by truck to the Nickel Plant. At the plant, raw materials are stored in large concrete silos. The form and weight of the raw material mean that it requires large amounts of energy to spread the substance over a larger area. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine a major accident related to the raw material.

Metal-containing process solutions are purified and treated for the production of nickel, copper, and cobalt. Inside the factory buildings, these process solutions are handled in closed process systems. It is highly unlikely that the process solutions will spread and be released from here as collection systems and drainage systems are in place to prevent this.

Process solutions are well secured with collection arrangements. Our risk assessments estimate the likelihood of a major accident of this type as very low. We continuously assess measures and improvements that can prevent and hinder such releases. Although this type of accident will have very little or no impact on the company’s personnel or the surrounding areas, there is a risk that the sea outside could be polluted.

The residual products from production are stored in the company’s rock deposits, which are secured against releases. The company’s discharge permit from the Environmental Directorate regulates this.

PRESSURE VESSELS

The Nickel Plant has two autoclaves (pressure vessels) on the south side of the plant area facing Hannevika. These are equipped with extensive safety systems. A major accident associated with the autoclaves is an explosion with a pressure wave that can spread over the sea in Hannevika. The likelihood of such an accident is very low. It is not possible to affect residents around Hannevika.

FLAMMABLE ORGANIC LIQUID

In the cobalt refinery, large quantities of flammable organic liquid are handled. Accidents related to these can lead to extensive fire and smoke development. Our facilities are secured with extensive shutdown functions of the process, automatic fire alarms, fire sectioning, automated extinguishing systems, and drainage to underground tanks. This, along with our well-developed industrial safety with high extinguishing capacity (water and foam), provides a very high degree of safety. Should a fire in organic liquids still get out of control, it may be necessary to evacuate the company’s immediate surroundings until the situation is under control. This evacuation will be managed by the police.

TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE GAS

On the plant site, mainly indoor storage tanks are used. The company purchases and transports hazardous chemicals in tank containers from Kristiansand port. Sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) is one of these. Accidents with releases will form hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a toxic and flammable gas. After the company recently built a facility for indoor unloading and handling of tank containers, this risk is nearly eliminated, except for the transport from Kristiansand port.

UNWANTED INCIDENTS

Other possible unwanted incidents that are not defined as major accidents:

HYDROGEN AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

An explosion related to hydrogen production could cause significant material damage and serious personal injuries on the plant site. The facility is secured with automatic monitoring and shutdown systems. The likelihood of a major explosion of this type is very low. The risk of harm to people, the environment, and material values outside the company is not possible.

PROPANE TANKS WITH FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

The storage tank for propane is well secured against fire and explosion hazards, placed between buildings that provide protection for neighbors. Should there be a major leak of propane or a fire in or near the tank, E39 past the company must be closed until the situation is clarified. Such an event can thus have consequences for people and property outside the plant area. This closure will be managed by the police.

RISK OF ACID RELEASE

Significant amounts of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are stored in storage tanks on the plant site. Accidents with these can result in releases to the sea and air. However, the acids will quickly neutralize in seawater, and potential damage is mainly limited to smaller areas near the company. After a while (depending on the amount of release), these damages will reduce, and conditions will normalize.

RELEASE OF ROAST GAS AND CHLORINE GAS

In connection with the burning of sulfur in the roasting furnaces (roasting = making glowing), roast gas is formed, which contains dust and sulfur dioxide. In the event of a fire or major breakdowns in the roasting plant and sulfuric acid factory, this will be handled by automatic shutdown systems, emergency procedures, and purification plants. In such process disturbances, the roast gas is sent to the purification plant before being sent to the company’s chimneys. Instantaneous and short-term releases of roast gas can cause discomfort in the company’s vicinity.

Chlorine gas is produced in the electrolysis departments at the company. This gas goes in closed process systems. In the event of process disturbances, the chlorine gas is sent to the purification plant before being released, purified of chlorine, to the company’s chimneys. Normally, it is mainly water vapor that comes out of the chimneys. Failures in the purification plants, major leaks in the piping systems, and failures in the safety systems can result in instantaneous and short-term releases of chlorine gas with discomfort in the company’s vicinity.

FIRE IN PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Releases of smoke and fire gases from a major fire in production facilities, workshops, and other buildings can result in releases of smoke and fire gases. The very nearest areas around the company may experience discomfort and may, in the worst case, need to be evacuated until the situation is under control. Measures for smoke spread are assessed in each case together with the police.

FOLLOW THE ALERTS

Should situations arise that affect areas outside the company, public authorities such as the police and civil defense will notify about this. The public is therefore asked to follow instructions and information provided by the police or other authorities. Persons staying on the company premises are notified with the company’s alert system.

Further Information on Preparedness: Stian Helgeland - Tel. 38 10 14 21 / 90 84 10 75

Further Information on External Environment: Arild Vatland - Tel. 38 10 15 41 / 47 90 17 90

General Information: Harald Eik - Tel. 38 10 14 20 / 48 88 14 20

If a major accident occurs, or there is a risk of such an event, public emergency services will be notified immediately. If necessary, the police are responsible for notifying and possibly evacuating neighbors and people in the vicinity.

MOBILE-BASED ALERT

Emergency alerts on mobile phones are a service from Norwegian authorities used to inform the public about acute danger. The alert will contain details about the situation and instructions on how to protect yourself. The police and Civil Defense determine which areas should be alerted and are responsible for sending out the alert.

SIREN ALERT

The Civil Defense’s siren system (typhoons) can also be used to warn of a major accident or the risk of a major accident. The alert is given in the form of three signal series with one-minute intervals:

Important message – seek information:

The information will be communicated via media such as radio, TV, and online newspapers, and possibly SMS alerts from local authorities. It is important that everyone follows instructions and orders from the police or rescue personnel.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF TOXIC SMOKE OR GAS RELEASE?

Immediately leave the area with gas or fire smoke. If it is difficult to leave the area, seek shelter in the nearest building. Close doors, windows, and vents, and turn off the ventilation system. Stay calm and take special care of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the sick.

CONDITIONS AT GLENCORE NIKKELVERK THAT MAY LEAD TO NEIGHBOR NOTIFICATION:

• Major industrial fire with the release of toxic smoke gases. The smoke will be visible, and the spread depends on weather conditions. Follow the previously mentioned precautions and instructions from emergency services.

• Release of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S gas) during operational accidents and accidents with process equipment: The gas has a characteristic smell of rotten eggs and can be detected even in low, harmless concentrations. At higher concentrations, it is highly toxic when inhaled and heavier than air. The risk is especially high in the port area west and south of the plant. Although the gas is invisible, it is crucial to follow the recommended precautions.

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) release from process accidents or fires in production facilities: This release will normally be very short-lived and primarily affect the nearest buildings. The gas smells like burnt sulfur and is heavier than air. Although pure gas is not visible, releases from process equipment may appear gray or white. By acting according to the precautions and following information from authorities, the risk to health and safety is reduced.