The Northern Territory Environment Department said that some of the copper concentrate which contaminated the Edith River is being sent back to South Australia.

A train derailed last month at the Edith River bridge near Katherine, 300 kilometres south of Darwin, spilling up to 1,200 tonnes of the toxic substance into the river.

The department said that kibbles and copper concentrate have been found covered in sand and rubble close to the damaged rail bridge.

Acting department executive director Mr Paul Purdon said that there has been positive co operation between the Territory government, rail operator GWA and OZ Minerals in recovering the copper concentrate. Mr Purdon said that "Despite the difficult circumstances, progress has been very good at Edith River.”

He added that "OZ Minerals has sent back a significant amount of concentrates and concentrates contaminated with sand to its Prominent Hill mine in South Australia."

Mr Purdon said the latest results from water samples taken on 5 January and 9 January are due to be released this week. He added that "As we receive more test results we will be in a better position to determine the future direction of our investigation.”

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)