Orica Limited’s (ASX:ORI) Kooragang Island chemical plant is the subject of headlines again today after a bolt of lightning caused a fire at the facility last night.
The Newcastle Herald reports the hydrogen gas discharges, which were part of the normal start up procedures at the plant, were struck at 10pm last night, causing 20 metre high flames to shoot into the sky.
A spokeswoman told the newspaper the phenomenon wasn’t uncommon, but it wasn’t common.
The plant was re-opened last week after it was closed late last year following a series of chemical leaks.
Last week NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said the chemical company would lose its licence if it failed to comply with environmental laws following a corrosive acid leak at its Port Kembla plant.
Orica posted a profit of $663 million in the 2011 financial year.
