Bauxite Spill Pollutes Solomon Islands’ Waters

Only months after the area suffered an oil spill from a grounded vessel, the Solomon Islands’ waters were hit by a bauxite pollution.

According to media reports, an estimated 5,000 tonnes of bauxite has spilled into Kangava Bay from a barge.

The ore, that is used in aluminium smelting, reportedly slipped into the water at Rennell Island, during loading operations on July 1.

Guardian cited a source from the island as saying that the “water is red”.

In early February 2019, the bulk carrier Solomon Trader, loaded with nearly 11,000 tonnes of bauxite, ran aground on a reef off Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands, near the largest raised coral atoll in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Initial estimates showed that some 70 tonnes of oil was spilled from the 1994-built ship, while relevant parties believed that the escaped amount was higher.

After a lightering operation in mid-March, the 73,592 dwt ship was finally refloated in May. It was destined to be towed for scrapping.

World Maritime News Staff