unusual mineralogy combined with the ore's relatively high lead levels makes the lead and zinc virtually inseparable prior to smelting, and there are very few smelters which can process concentrate which is high in lead. These issues led Mount Isa Mines (later Xstrata) to develop a new lead-zinc leaching process in partnership with Highlands Pacific, known as the Albion process. The technology has now been applied to both gold and base metal projects also. Transport Bulk concentrate is trucked 120 km from the mine to a loading facility in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The concentrate is loaded onto a ship at the Bing Bong loading facility. From here the purpose-built barge called MV Aburri operates a shuttle service from the loading facility to a point fifteen nautical miles offshore where the concentrate is transferred on to overseas bulk carriers. There have been several transportation incidents. Environmental impacts Creek contamination Seepage from the Tailings Storage Facility at the mine have been detected in the nearby Surprise Creek. Monitoring in 2005, 2007 and 2010 shows that soluble sulfate, zinc and, potentially, lead and cadmium are seeping into Surprise Creek. Dust from operations at the run of mine pad and crushing plant is contaminating stream sediments in both Barney Creek and Surprise Creek, affecting macroinvertebrate species. An extreme risk of embankment failure, or "overtopping", of the spillway in the Tailings Storage Facility due to water volumes has also been identified, requiring immediate action. Fish contamination Local Indigenous people have also raised concerns about contamination of fish in the McArthur River. Testing by the Northern Territory Government and the mine's consultant found that small species, including rainbow fish and bony bream, have been contaminated with lead above maximum-permitted concentrations, making them unsafe for human consumption. In 2015, reports showed that Glencore and the Northern Territory Health Department did not act on a recommendation from the Chief Health Officer to warn people living near the mine to not eat fish from three locations. A small section of seagrass, which provides food for dugongs has also been destroyed by dredging at the Bing Bong Loading Facility. Potential for bioaccumulation of heavy metals in dugongs, a significant concern for Aboriginals from Borroloola who eat the meat, has been identified as a result from potential ore spillage at the facility. Uncontrolled toxic fire A waste dump at the mine has been burning since 2013. Pyrite iron sulphide stacked