9 Nov 2012

Fonterra says China fire caused by mechanical fault

5:42 pm on 9 November 2012

Fonterra says a mechanical failure is the likely cause of fire damage at one of its Chinese dairy farms earlier this week.

A biodigester, which converts effluent from cows into bio-gas and solids, has been out of action since the fire on Monday.

The New Zealand dairy cooperative has dismissed reports that an explosion occurred at the plant, saying the fire was caused by a mechanical problem.

Fonterra says it has other methods to treat and dispose of the farm effluent in a sustainable way until the biodigester is operating again.