Explosion and Fire at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works (#12)
September 10, 2012
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsui Chemicals extends heartfelt sympathy to the family of the deceased and sincerest apologies to the injured, 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 at 2:15am on April 22.
Outlook on plant operations currently suspended due to the accident are as follows:
1. Condition of plant operations
Operations at the four resorcinol, cymene, hydroquinone, and meta-para-cresol plants at the Iwakuni-Ohtake Works continue to be suspended.
All other production and utility plants have resumed routine operations.
2. Outlook for suspended plants
For the meta-para-cresol plant, which is a facility similar to the resorcinol plant where the accident occurred and which is among the four currently suspended plants, safety measures approved by the Accident Investigation Committee for the resorcinol plant were applied. The report on improvements was submitted to the proper authorities and approved on September 7, 2012.
The meta-para-cresol plant is tentatively scheduled to resume operations in late September. Every measure will be taken to assure safety of the plant prior to resuming operations.
Outlook for remaining suspended plants
| Plant | Condition and Outlook |
|---|---|
| Resorcinol | As the resorcinol plant was the site of the accident, schedule for operation is undetermined. Announcement will be made as soon as information becomes available. |
| Cymene (raw material for meta-para-cresol) |
As the cymene plant was destroyed by fires from the accident, schedule for operation is undetermined. Announcement will be made as soon as information becomes available. Production of cymene commenced at substitute facilities at Ichihara Works today (September 10). |
| Hydroquinone | As facilities of the hydroquinone plant are similar to those of the resorcinol plant, which was the site of the accident, application of similar safety measures is being studied. After safety measures are applied, operations will resume following approval from the proper authorities. |
