Explosion and Fire at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works (#9)
June 14, 2012
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsui Chemicals extends heartfelt sympathy to the family of the deceased and sincerest apologies to the injured and those suffering damages to homes and property, local community residents, persons from nearby companies, the authorities, our customers, our shareholders, and all stakeholders affected by the tragic explosion and fire at the Mitsui Chemicals Iwakuni-Ohtake Works on April 22 (2:15am).
The Company updates information issued in its May 29th news release "Explosion and Fire at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works (#8) as follows.
1. Report on Damage (Homes and Property)
The Company reports that approximately 80% of the restoration and repairs to neighboring homes and property have been completed. The Company continues to undertake urgent restorations and care for persons affected by the accident.
2. Forecast for Plant Operations
As a result of the accident, the Company formed an [Accident Investigation Committee] comprised of members of the academia and external specialists to investigate causes of the accident and develop measures to prevent future recurrences.
The Committee’s investigation has determined the cause of the accident to be trouble at the “Resorcinol Plant”. Fires which subsequently occurred within the Works and at other plants were caused by debris from the explosion at the “Resorcinol Plant”.
Currently, plants in the Iwakuni area of the Works, with exception of the Resorcinol Plant and some other plants, are conducting safety inspections and routine annual maintenance. Operations are scheduled to resume at most plants when safety and conditions of plants have been confirmed with approval from authorities during July.
Some plants in the Ohtake area have resumed routine operations.
Forecast for Operation of Iwakuni-Ohtake Works Plants
| Area | Product | Operation Schedule (tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Iwakuni | Purified terephthalic acid (PTA), PET resin, LUCANT™, HI-ZEX MILLION™, TPX™, Hi-WAX™, EXCEREX™, FTR™ | By late July |
| Cymene, Hydroquinone, Meta/Para-cresol | Early commencement under review | |
| Resorcinol | Accident investigation underway | |
| Ohtake | Mitsui MP (pellicles), Gas pipes, ARLEN™, Catalysts | Routine operations |
| MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone), Milason, Himilan, Nucrel | By late July |
3. Effect on Product Supplies
For some products in storage at the Works and which have been confirmed to be undamaged, shipments have commenced with permission of the investigation authorities.
As conditions for products and brands differ, customers will be routinely advised by the applicable business segment.
