Notice on Operations at Hydroquinone Plant of Iwakuni-Ohtake Works and Withdrawal from Resorcinol Production
(Explosion and Fire at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works #14)
December 25, 2012
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsui Chemicals extends heartfelt sympathy and sincerest apologies to all persons affected by the April 22nd explosion and fire at Mitsui Chemicals Iwakuni-Ohtake Works.
Currently, all but three plants at the Iwakuni-Ohtake Works have resumed operations. Mitsui Chemicals announces the following decisions regarding the suspended three plants.
1. Current condition
Production at the resorcinol, cymene, and hydroquinone plants continue to be suspended. All other products and facilities have resumed operations.
Cymene is currently being produced at substitute facilities at Ichihara Works.
2. Forecast of other products
Mitsui Chemicals will continue its ongoing efforts to assure safe operations at all its facilities. Operations of the following three suspended plants are as follows:
| Plant | Condition and Outlook |
|---|---|
| Resorcinol | After conducting extensive studies related to resumption of resorcinol production, the company decided to withdraw from its production as of December 2012. |
| Cymene (raw material for meta-para-cresol) |
Operations are targeted for resumption by mid 2013. Until cymene production is resumed at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works, cymene will be manufactured at substitute facilities at Ichihara Works. |
| Hydroquinone | As facilities of the hydroquinone plant are similar to those of the resorcinol plant, which was the site of the accident, application of thorough safety measures were applied and reported to the proper authorities. The authorities reviewed the safety measures and approved operation resumption on December 21st. Resumption of plant operation is targeted for January. |
