The Rio Tinto Alcan mine has had a mishap where 70,000 liters of unleaded fuel leaked out of a tank at a Rio Tinto refinery at Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. The fuel spill has been contained as per the officials of the Northern Territory Department of Resources.
The NT Department of Resources is investigating the matter as per the executive director of minerals and energy, Alistair Trier. The department has ordered Rio Tinto to clean up the oil spill and remove the fuel from the environment.
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It is believed that the oil leak occurred due to equipment failure such as a burst pipe. The tank farm's infrastructure dates back to the 1960s and it is believed the leak occurred due to equipment failure. No comments have been forthcoming from the company so far.
As per Mr. Trier the company will face considerable penalties and fines under the Mining Management Act.