SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, the Philippines’ largest and most modern steel manufacturing company, strongly rejects the order of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to take custody of 23 containers allegedly containing hazardous zinc dust exported by Zannwann International Trading Corp.
However, out of caution, had already voluntary suspended operations of its Calaca, Batangas scrap recycling plant, its flagship facility, even before the Department of Interior and Local Government issued an order.
“This is not our shipment,” the company stressed in a statement.
SteelAsia said it has no connection to these materials and stressed that the containers did not originate from SteelAsia.
The containers were rejected by Indonesia in late September and ordered returned to Zannwann, which sources zinc dust from various steel producers for export. However, PNRI, without following international nuclear safety protocols or conducting the required scientific tests, tagged SteelAsia as the source of the alleged radioactive materials while clearing Zannwann of responsibility.
PNRI then ordered SteelAsia to entomb the 23 containers in its plant in Calaca, Batangas, potentially endangering the community and other corporate locators in that industrial zone — if indeed there is a threat of radioactivity.
If there is radioactivity, the company emphasized that it has no technical capability, facilities, or training to handle radioactive waste. Only PNRI is legally mandated to perform this function under Philippine law.
SteelAsia stressed that steel manufacturing does not use and therefore does not produce radioactive materials. The company manufactures and exports reinforced steel bars, not zinc dust, which is merely a by-product of its production process.
The company added that all scrap metals purchased for melting and production are tested for radioactivity, and none had ever tested positive. Its radiation monitoring equipment is also regularly calibrated under PNRI supervision.
Steel Asia further noted that Zannwann, based on information from PNRI itself, also purchased zinc dust from other steel companies, yet only SteelAsia is being unfairly singled out by PNRI despite the absence of any scientific or factual basis, it said.
Voluntary suspension
PNRI’s supposed findings were used as a basis by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to order SteelAsia to stop operating its Calaca scrap recycling plant — the flagship facility of the company and one of the most modern and environmentally sustainable in the world.
But even before the DILG order, SteelAsia, following meetings with PNRI, had already voluntarily suspended operations at the Calaca scrap recycling plant out of an abundance of caution, without conceding the presence of any radioactive materials in the facility. The company has also been fully coordinating with PNRI throughout the process.
Legal steps
The company is taking legal steps to protect its interests and is continuing to pursue all remedies available under the law. SteelAsia said PNRI’s illegal, baseless, and unscientific actions will lead to irreparable harm to the entire Calaca industrial zone, resulting in economic dislocation, the loss of thousands of jobs, and the stunting of Calaca’s progress.
The company added that it is open to engaging international experts from Japan and Western countries to help address the situation — Japan, in particular, having extensive experience in managing radiation.
