Peruvian environmental regulator, OEFA, ordered on January 12 local iron ore producer Shougang Hierro Peru to immediately suspend the transportation and storage of the commodity following a recent audit at the company’s Marcona mine.
OEFA said there were leaks of particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, at the Marcona mine. The leaks were reported at the mine’s crude and iron ore concentrate storage areas and were due to the action of wind and Shougang Hierro Peru’s “lack of environmental control” measures, OEFA said. The materials were being released in the San Nicolás Bay, according to the regulator.
OEFA gave Shougang Hierro Peru five days to present a “remediation plan” for the affected area. If Shougang fails to present the plan, it could face “corresponding civil and administrative” penalties, OEFA said.