Orica's operations at Kooragang Island are highly regulated by authorities and Orica's own rigorous approach to safety and risk management.
Orica has stringent practices in place to ensure the safe storage and handling of ammonium nitrate (AN) at its Kooragang Island facility. Practices are carried out in accordance with all regulatory requirements including the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Australian Standards (AS 4326 – the storage and handling of oxidising agents) and the Explosives Act.
Kooragang Island operations also comply with risk assessment criteria as required by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
In addition, Orica Kooragang Island holds a Major Hazard Facility (MHF) licence. In order for this licence to be obtained the site’s safety management systems, security arrangements and emergency response procedures undergo a strict auditing and verification process by SafeWork NSW.
The amount of ammonium nitrate stored at KI varies, according to customer demand. On average we store between 6,000 and 12,000 tonnes.
AN storage areas are fire resistant and built exclusively from non-flammable materials. There are no flammable sources within designated exclusion zones around these areas.
We regularly undertake site-wide emergency response exercises, including an annual exercise with the local emergency services.
It’s important to note that there has not been a single incident involving the storage of AN in the Kooragang Island site’s 51-year history.
As a good neighbour, we understand what the Newcastle community expects of us and we will continue to work hard to meet those expectations.
Read Orica's full statement here
Media contacts
Andrew Valler
Head of External and Marketing Communications
Mobile +61 437 829 211
Nicole Masson
Media Advisor Hunter Region
Phone +61 2 4908 9479
Mobile + 61 408 192 016