Explosion at Autlán kills 3; plant partially closed – Mexico

MEXICO

Explosion at Autlán kills 3; plant partially closed – Mexico

5th June 2006

BNamericas.com

An explosion at Minera Autlán's Tamós manganese-ferroalloy plant in the Mexican state of Veracruz killed three workers and seriously injured five, mining-metalworkers union STMMRM and Autlán said in separate statements.

Part of the plant has been shut down to investigate the extent of the damage and to determine the exact cause of the accident that occurred Saturday evening, the union said.

According to Autlán the incident is not expected to affect other areas of the plant, nor impact the company's short-term production.

Initial reports say a water leak allowed an accumulation of gases, which caused the explosion, Autlán said.

Furnace no.10, where the explosion occurred, was left 80% damaged, the union said.

Some 400 union members work at the Tamós plant, which produces refined ferromanganese, high carbon ferromanganese and silicon magnesium.