MANILA, Jan 14 — More than 20 containers of radioactive zinc that had been stranded in Manila Bay for months have been unloaded and moved to a “safe location”, according to the Philippines’ nuclear research chief.
MANILA, Jan 14 — More than 20 containers of radioactive zinc that had been stranded in Manila Bay for months have been unloaded and moved to a “safe location”, according to the Philippines’ nuclear research chief.
The 23 containers arrived in Manila in late September aboard the MV Hansa Augsburg after Indonesian authorities rejected and returned the shipment upon detecting traces of radioactive Caesium-137. Indonesia had tightened controls on scrap metal imports following concerns over radioactive contamination.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) director Carlo Arcilla said the zinc is now awaiting a medium-term storage solution, with the Subic Bay military facility being considered. While he did not disclose the current location, an official said the containers are being temporarily held outside Metro Manila.
Arcilla stressed that radiation levels are low, noting that exposure drops to background levels just one metre from the containers, and that crew members tested negative. The final plan involves sealing the material in a specially built underground containment facility.
He added that the ship’s operator, China’s Cosco Shipping Lines, had suffered losses due to delays and public fear over radiation. The company has yet to comment.
Environmental group Greenpeace Philippines cautioned that even low levels of Caesium-137 pose long-term health and environmental risks. — AFP
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