Independent laboratory tests have confirmed that lead concentrate levels in Magellan Metals' shipping containers have not exceeded national standards since the sampling program began 15 months ago.
Magellan Metals' Toronto-listed parent company, Ivernia, reported two samples collected during the testing period initially returned lead concentrations above the allowed baseline level of 20 micrograms of lead per cubic meter, but further independent analysis found these levels were recorded in error.
"We are pleased that the independent results confirm no sample has ever exceeded baseline, and that our rigorous processes implemented for the transport of lead carbonate work to protect the public," Ivernia chief executive Alan De'ath said in a statement released by Ivernia today.
"The focus of our investigations has shifted now to matters of reporting, in order to ensure the government of Western Australia and the community is kept fully informed of every aspect of our monitoring work."
According to the statement, extensive sampling of nearly 300 sites along the transport route from the Wiluna mine to the Port of Fremantle have shown no trace of lead carbonate since shipping began in September 2009.
Magellan has not revealed when its mine near Wiluna will be restarted or when lead shipments will recommence from the Port of Fremantle.
Magellan Metals corporate social responsibility vice-president John Yeates said the company hoped to re-start its operations at the minesite as soon as possible, once the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) gave them approval.
"We want to get transportation back as soon as possible," he said.
"What today shows is that there is no lead above baseline in the containers and certainly there is no lead outside the containers, and therefore, there is no public risk whatsoever."
Last Thursday, Environment Minister Bill Marmion announced that extensive testing at Fremantle Port had detected no lead carbonate dust on the exterior of Magellan's shipping containers or on the ground where containers are stored.
Mr Marmion said the Department of Environment and Conservation found no evidence of lead leakage from Magellan's containers.
