Residents of a city in southern China are rushing to buy bottled water after excessive levels of the carcinogen cadmium were found in a river source of drinking water, state media said Thursday the latest health scare to hit the country. Pollution of waterways by toxic run-offs from factories and farms is a pressing issue in China, prompting the authorities to call for policy tightening to cut pollution by heavy metals, but the problem shows no sign of leaving.
Cadmium content in the Longjiang River in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Wednesday, three times the official limit, Xinhua said, pointing the finger of blame at a mining company.
Excessive levels of cadmium found last Sunday, the news agency said, adding that the authorities had 80 tons of aluminum chloride, a neutralizing agent injected into the river in an attempt to reduce the risk to health to take away.
China closed a chemical plant in central Hunan province in 2009 after residents protested over cadmium pollution that two people and affected hundreds of others slain.
Despite numerous promises from Beijing to reduce pollution, local officials often put economic growth, employment and revenue for the environment.
source:reuters
Weekly Mining Market Report in Australia
Australia seems that the market was a little stronger last week. . . Read more »
China Tian Yuan Mining up $ 456 million in HK IPO-source
Chinese iron ore producer China Tian Yuan Mining Ltd plans to raise up to $456 million in a Hong Kong initial public offering, according to a term sheet obtained by Reuters on Tuesday. . . Read more »
