Society

Gold producer improves drainage systems after big leak

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-31 17:27

FUZHOU - Zijin Mining Group has improved its drainage and flood control systems in preparation for the upcoming rainy season, said Vice Manager Zou Baochun of Zijinshan Gold & Copper Mine on Tuesday.

The largest publicly traded gold producer in China hit the headlines last July after its flagship mine in Shanghang county, Fujian province, leaked 2.4 million gallons of acidic copper waste into the Tingjiang River, resulting in a massive fish kill.

The county government has estimated the total direct economic loss from the leak at more than 30 million yuan ($4.6 million).

Improvements to the mine's waste water disposal system meant that it could now withstand a once-in-100-year flood, said Zou.

Qiu Zhiqiang, chairman of the board of Xinyuan Water Supply Company in Shanghang, said two polluted downstream water treatment plants had been replaced by the new Shanghang Water Plant built at a cost of 250 million yuan.

With a designed daily supply capacity of 120,000 tonnes, the new water treatment plant is currently processing 60,000 tonnes of water a day, more than twice the combined amount both plants it replaced handled.