Pipe rupture sends metal-rich solution into ditch at Terrafame

A pipe rupture at Terrafame’s industrial site in Sotkamo sent metal-rich solution into a ditch for several hours on Sunday, Yle reported. The company said the solution did not reach beyond the site.

The leak involved solution from the mine’s bioleaching process and was discovered on Sunday morning. Terrafame chief executive Antti Koulumies said the pipe was likely damaged overnight.

The company has dammed the ditch to prevent the solution from spreading and is pumping it back into the production process. No one was injured, and the situation was brought under control quickly.

The cause of the rupture is under investigation. Koulumies did not estimate how long repairs and pumping would take.

Production is continuing as normal. Koulumies said maintaining operations helps keep process liquids under control and avoids additional pumping. Terrafame said it had notified the Permit and Supervisory Agency.

Terrafame produces nickel sulphate, which can be used in electric vehicle batteries, as well as zinc, cobalt, copper and uranium.