Glencore Convicted After 12,000-Litre Sulphuric Acid Spill Was Not Immediately Reported

Summary

Glencore Canada Corporation was convicted under Ontario's Environmental Protection Act after failing to immediately report a major sulphuric acid spill at its Sudbury operations. On May 9, 2018, workers were transferring 98% sulphuric acid from a rail car into a truck at Glencore's Falconbridge smelter when approximately 25,000 pounds — roughly 12,000 litres — of sulphuric acid spilled. Three workers were injured, one critically. Ontario's Ministry of the Environment found that Glencore did not notify the ministry until approximately 11 hours after the incident, despite being legally required to report the spill immediately. Ontario Government – environmental conviction: https://news.ontario.ca/en/court/54160/mining-company-fined-105000-for-failing-to-report-a-spill On September 13, 2019, Glencore Canada was convicted of violating Ontario's Environmental Protection Act and fined C$105,000, plus a C$26,250 victim fine surcharge. There was also a separate workplace-safety prosecution arising from the same incident. Glencore pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the rail car had been depressurized before the transfer line was disconnected and was fined another C$110,000 in March 2020. Key facts: Approximately 12,000 litres of concentrated sulphuric acid spilled; three workers were injured; Glencore waited about 11 hours before notifying environmental authorities; and the company was convicted and fined for failing to report the spill immediately.