US's last primary lead smelter closes down in Missouri

NEW YORK (Scrap Monster) :  The last primary lead metal smelter in the US run by the Doe Run Company has closed its smelting operations at the Herculaneum, Missouri facility after being in operation for 120 long years. The company which processed raw ore into lead had decided to cease smelting operations by year-end. The lead from the smelter was being used to make car batteries, x-ray shields and a wide range of other products.

Earlier, studies conducted by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) authorities revealed that the smelting operations generated high levels of air pollution. According to EPA studies, more than 50% of the preschool-age children residing near the smelter had high lead levels.

The company had spent nearly $14 million to remove lead contaminated soil from nearby properties and another $12 million to reduce lead emissions from the plant. In 2008, the lead emission standards were tightened, reducing it to one-tenth. Doe Run declared that new investments required to meet the enhanced standards would lead the company to financial risk.

As part of the settlement reached with the US EPA, Doe Run had agreed to cease its smelting operations by end-2013. According to company sources, the facility will continue with mining and milling lead, zinc and copper from underground mines. The secondary operations such as alloy making will be continued.

Almost 75 out of nearly 300 workers will stay on. A career center has been set up to help the rest of the employees to find new jobs.