Defective storage tank causes leak at Alcan

The Northern Territory Friday filed a complaint in an Australian court against Rio Tinto PLC, alleging that subsidiary Alcan leaked about 62,000 liters of gasoline into the soil and groundwater at its mine in the territory in 2010. According to the complaint filed with the territory’s Department of Resources, a tank was used to store gasoline that was not inspected.  The gasoline leaked through the bottom of the tank, costing the department AU$500,00 (US$543,833) to clean up. A spokesperson for the company said, “Rio Tinto Alcan is committed to protecting the environment, and has engaged environmental advisors to assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive action plan to contain the material and remediate the affected area of the site.” (June 17, 2011)