also stated that the river was still polluted by mining and other operations upstream. Other improvements have been achieved and on March 19, 2008, the company announced a 60% improvement in particulate emissions, a 61.7% reduction in air lead levels, a 72% reduction in cadmium levels, and an 81% decrease in arsenic levels, and an the virtual elimination of polluting liquid discharges from the smelter into the Mantaro and Yauli rivers. Despite advancements in other areas, sulfur dioxide emissions reached record levels in August 2008. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, the lead smelter acid plant became operational in October 2008. This will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions significantly. Further improvement can be expected when the copper smelter acid plant is completed, which is expected in October 2009. Thereafter, the main sources of sulfur dioxide from the smelter should be under control. Nevertheless, none of these expected results have been attained in reality. The indicators shown above were designed by Doe Run and have not been certified by any official institute. Despite revenues that exceed US$150 million in each year of operations, after four months of the lower price in minerals, Doe Run has asked the Peruvian Government for a bailout. No other company from the same activity has done that. But this request surprisingly coincides with a new request from Doe Run for an extension to comply with PAMA requirements. That means, the expected results in 2009 again will not be completed. References Notes Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática. Banco de Información Digital. Retrieved February 29, 2008. External links Health Crisis at the Doe Run Peru Smelter Oroya