FINLAND (News release) -- A gas explosion occurred at Metsä Group's Kemi bioproduct mill in the evaporation plant during welding work on Thursday 21 March 2024. Three people were slightly exposed to hydrogen sulphide and were referred for a health check. The persons have returned to work after the check-up.

After securing the area, an investigation into the material damage was launched. According to current information, the repair work will take 10 - 12 weeks. The production will be started when the repair work has been completed and the safe operation of the mill has been ensured. The extent of the damage is currently being investigated, and the timetable will be refined as the investigations progress.

The production shutdown at the Kemi bioproduct mill led also to a production shutdown at Metsä Board's Kemi board mill, which is part of the same mill integrate. The unbleached pulp needed for the board mill cannot be produced without the chemical cycle of the bioproduct mill.