Jul 25 2007
The Doe Run Company today announced that its Herculaneum, Mo., lead smelter is running smoothly and is expected to be operating at full capacity by the first week of August. The facility experienced an explosion in a refining kettle on July 13, injuring two workers and damaging equipment and portions of the building.
“Repairs in and around the casting area were completed on schedule, and we are running well as repairs to the roof and siding continue,” said Gary Hughes, general manager of the Herculaneum Smelting Division. “We appreciate the patience of our customers as we make some production changes to accommodate building work, and we thank our employees for their hard work in keeping other areas of the plant in operation.”
“We wish to express our gratitude to the Doe Run response team and local emergency response personnel for their quick action in caring for the needs of two employees affected by the accident,” Hughes added. “We’re pleased to report that employees Dwayne Smith and Brian Mattheisen are recovering at home. We expect both men to make a full recovery.”
Based in St. Louis, The Doe Run Company is a privately held natural resources company and the largest integrated lead producer in the Western Hemisphere. Dedicated to environmentally responsible mineral and metal production, Doe Run operates the world’s largest, single-site lead recycling facility, located in Missouri. The Doe Run Company and its subsidiaries deliver products and services necessary to provide power, protection and convenience. Doe Run has operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona.