Explosion at Noranda

According to Mark Christian, communications director for Noranda, "At approximately 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, there was a molten metal explosion at the cast house in Noranda's plant in New Madrid, Mo."

There are no fatalities.

Local emergency response units and Noranda's on-site emergency response team responded quickly. Injuries appear to be limited to non-critical abrasions, dust irritation, or smoke inhalation. All affected employees have been released from medical care with many returning to work.

The safety and well-being of our employees, and contractors remains our first priority as we focus our attention on clean-up and investigation.

Inside cast building. -photo submitted

Inside cast building. -photo submitted


Noranda Aluminum Holding Corporation is a leading North American integrated producer of value-added primary aluminum products and high quality rolled aluminum coils. Noranda is a public company controlled by affiliates of its private equity sponsor.

Several fire departments including Marston, New Madrid, Lilbourn, and Portageville were called as well. Several law enforcement agencies such as New Madrid County Sheriff, Pemiscot County Sheriff, Dunklin Sheriff, and Scott County Sheriff departments were summoned to help with the investigation.

More information to released pending further investigation as to how the explosion occurred.