TOAMASINA, MADAGASCAR--(Marketwired - February 19, 2015) -
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Sherritt International Corporation ("Sherritt") (TSX: S) regrets to report the death of an employee of a contractor who was exposed to a release of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas in the pressure acid leach (PAL) plant at the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
The gas release affected three employees of a contractor who were working in the area. One employee was critically injured and passed away yesterday and the two other workers impacted are recovering well.
"Sherritt is deeply saddened by this tragic incident," said David Pathe, President and CEO, Sherritt. "Our first priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our workers and we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the individual's family, friends and colleagues."
The gas release was transient and occurred within a localized area of the PAL facility. It did not affect any other workers at the facility or the surrounding community. A full investigation is in progress and Sherritt is committed to determine the root causes of this incident.
Mitigation actions have been implemented to ensure safe operation and Sherritt's production guidance for the project remain unchanged.
About Sherritt
Sherritt is a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel from lateritic ores with projects and operations in Canada, Cuba, and Madagascar. The Corporation is the largest independent energy producer in Cuba, with extensive oil and power operations across the island. Sherritt licenses its proprietary technologies and provides metallurgical services to mining and refining operations worldwide. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "S".