On Thursday, May 16, 2024, a hazardous incident unfolded at the PT Kalimantan Ferro Industry (KFI) nickel smelter situated in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. This facility experienced not just one, but two separate explosions over consecutive days.
The initial blast happened at approximately 18.40 WITA on Thursday, when an intense explosion erupted on the discharge section of the nickel slag area. This led to a spray of sparks shooting up from the intense heat at the slag pool, posing immediate danger. This explosion resulted in one worker getting injured and another being subjected to dust exposure.
M. Ardhi Soemargo, a representative for the smelter’s owner, explained on Saturday, May 18, 2024, that the probable cause was a blockage in the cooling flow of the slag exhaust. Despite these harrowing incidents, activities at the plant resumed to normal on Friday, however, another explosion occurred later that day around 23.45 WITA. Although this second explosion in the waste pit area was smaller and reported as non-threatening, it raised additional safety concerns.
Ardhi reassured that the PT KFI smelter was evaluated and considered safe for operations to continue. Furthermore, he acknowledged potential damages to nearby residences caused by the smelter’s explosions and committed to addressing these impacts responsibly. He stated that an investigative team would be deployed to assess and address the damages incurred by the local residents.
Security measures were heightened following the incidents, with local police cordoning off the affected area and continuing their investigation to ensure further safety and clarity on the matter.