Orica Limited (ASX:ORI) says the closure of a chemical plant in Australia may cost as much as $50 million.
The closure of the Kooragang Island plant near Newcastle, due to safety issues, is costing $4 million a week.
Orica partially closed the plant in August following a chemical leak that affected the local community which it describes as “completely unacceptable”.
Production of some ammonium nitrate has resumed.
Orica posted a profit of $663 million in the 2011 financial year.
