Smelter waste may be recycled, if feasible

Hydro proposes to lodge an environmental impact statement for its demolition and remediation project by the end of this year.

The project is part of Hydro’s plan to generate business and industrial development at the site.

Following consultation with key stakeholders and the general community, Hydro has developed a strategy for the site that includes the construction of an engineered containment cell for non-recyclable wastes and contaminated material.

But site materials including concrete, metal and smelter wastes (such as spent pot lining) may be recycled.

“Our early consultation has highlighted the view that the spent pot lining should be recycled if it is reasonable and feasible to do so,” Hydro Aluminium Kurri managing director Richard Brown said.

“We will therefore investigate further the viability of potential options for this material.”

Hydro will continue to work closely with the Environmental Protection Authority to assess the viability of recycling options for spent pot lining both locally (including the Regain and Weston Aluminium operations) and internationally.

Mr Brown said Hydro would like to involve its Community Reference Group in this process, initially by confirming the assessment criteria for evaluating the viability of the available options.

“We will also continue to work with the EPA to ensure that they understand the consultative process that we are undertaking and how our proposal has been developed,” he said.

“Hydro wants to find the right balance of feasible options for recycling the spent pot lining whilst ensuring that the jobs and economic benefits of the Regrowth Kurri Kurri project are delivered without undue delay for the people of our region,” Mr Brown said.

Community Reference Group member and Kurri Landcare president Col Maybury has been a vocal opponent to the on-site containment of spent pot lining.

Mr Maybury said he appreciated that Hydro had taken the community’s feedback on board.

“You can’t just bury all the things you don’t want in your backyard,” he said.

Mr Maybury said the stored dry SPL could be treated and turned it into rockwool or earth wool.

He urged Hydro to send all smelter waste, that cannot be recycled or sold, to the government-authorised secure waste depot at Kemps Creek, Sydney.

Hydro encourages questions and feedback on all parts of the project from all community members.  Call 1800 066 243 or email community.kurri@hydro.com.