Sludge has been leaking from an aluminum plant in Baise City, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, since mid-June, government authorities confirmed.
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On June 17, leakage containing ore waste was found at a sludge tank at a plant of the Guangxi Branch of the Aluminum Corporation of China, according to the Guangxi Regional Department of Environmental Protection.
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The leak occurred after frequent small earthquakes measuring below 3-magnitude have shaken the area since June 17. The amount of leaked material increased after a 2.3-magnitude quake.
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The site of the leak is about 12 km away from the Youjiang River, a major source of drinking water for Baise City.
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As of Monday, leaked sludge had not been detected in the Youjiang River and nearby channels.
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The plant and local government authorities have taken emergency measures to stop the leak.