SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp. lambasted the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s (PNRI) order to take custody of 23 containers allegedly containing hazardous zinc dust exported by Zannwann International Trading Corp., saying it has no connection to these materials and stressed that containers did not originate from SteelAsia.
‘This is not our shipment,’ the local steel maker said in a statement over the weekend.
SteelAsia said the containers were rejected by Indonesia in late September and ordered returned to Zannwann, which sources zinc dust from various steel producers for export.
However, SteelAsia pointed out that PNRI, without following international nuclear safety protocols or conducting the required scientific tests, tagged SteelAsia as the source of the alleged radioactive materials while clearing Zannwann of responsibility.
PNRI then ordered SteelAsia to ‘entomb’ the 23 containers in its plant in Calaca, Batangas. The company said this could endanger the community and other corporate locators in that industrial zone-if indeed there is a threat of radioactivity.
If there is radioactivity, SteelAsia said it has no ‘technical capability,’ facilities, or training to handle radioactive waste.
The steel manufacturer pointed out that only PNRI is legally mandated to perform this function under Philippine law.
SteelAsia said steel manufacturing does not use and therefore does not produce radioactive materials.
‘The company manufactures and exports reinforced steel bars, not zinc dust, which is merely a by-product of its production process.’
It also noted that all scrap metals purchased for melting and production are tested for radioactivity, and none had ever tested positive.
Its radiation monitoring equipment is ‘regularly recalibrated’ under PNRI supervision.
The company said Zannwann, based on information from PNRI itself, also purchased zinc dust from other steel companies, including Cathay Pacific Steel and Real Steel yet only SteelAsia is being ‘unfairly’ singled out by PNRI despite the absence of any scientific or factual basis.
SteelAsia said PNRI’s supposed findings were used as a basis by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to order the steel manufacturer to stop operating its Calaca scrap recycling plant which is the firm’s ‘flagship facility’ and is touted as one of the most modern and environmentally sustainable in the world.
However, it pointed out that even prior to the DILG order and following meetings with PNRI, SteelAsia said it had already voluntarily suspended operations at the Calaca scrap recycling plant ‘out of an abundance of caution, without conceding the presence of any radioactive materials in the facility.’
The company said it has also been fully coordinating with PNRI throughout the process.
SteelAsia said it is taking legal steps to protect its interests and is continuing to pursue all remedies available under the law.
The firm said ‘PNRI’s illegal, baseless, and unscientific actions will lead to irreparable harm’ to the entire Calaca industrial zone, resulting in ‘economic dislocation, the loss of thousands of jobs, and the stunting of Calaca’s progress.’
With these developments, SteelAsia said it is open to engaging international experts from Japan and Western countries to help address the situation-Japan, in particular, having ‘extensive’ experience in managing radiation.