Operations at OM Materials’ furnace workshop in Samalaju resume

BINTULU (Dec 18): OM Materials (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd has confirmed the safe resumption of operations at their Samalaju Industrial Park facility following an explosion at a furnace workshop on Nov 17, at 1.30pm.

Today, exactly a month after the incident, the company said it had been cooperating closely with local authorities and safety regulators, including the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DoSH) and the Department of Environment (DoE).

“Ambient air quality monitoring was conducted in compliance with DoE requirements, confirming the absence of harmful emissions in the surrounding environment,” said the company in a press statement.

With the approval of Bomba and DoSH, the affected furnace has now resumed operations.

“We continue to take proactive steps to evaluate and strengthen our operations, safety measures, and procedures.

“The safety and well-being of our employees and the community remain our highest priority,” the company assured.

OM Materials (Sarawak) extended its gratitude to the emergency responders and local authorities for their prompt and professional actions during this incident.

It was reported that the incident resulted from an overflow of molten material from casting moulds in one of the plant’s manganese alloys workshops, which led to a localised blast of pressurised steam upon contact with water.

Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, ensuring the safe evacuation of all personnel in the affected area to designated safe zones.

Nevertheless, there were no reported injuries.

The company said the incident was swiftly isolated and contained within half an hour.

The furnaces sustained no damage, and the workshop building incurred minimal damage with negligible repair costs.

-Agency