Kampong Speu Battery Recycling Plant Fire Causes High Pollution, Health Risks Prompt Urgent Measures

Environmental officials have issued urgent health protection measures, requiring residents to wear masks properly if they need to travel through or near areas affected by smoke from a fire at a battery recycling facility in Tuol Sambor village, Damnak Reang commune, Samaki Mean Chey district, Kampong Speu province. These measures were implemented immediately after a technical team from the Ministry of Environment inspected the site on July 30th and found that the fire had caused high levels of air pollution. The technical team also instructed residents to protect their water sources and food from contamination by chemical substances in the smoke. They emphasized close monitoring of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses, and advised immediate contact and transfer to a hospital in case of suspected symptoms. The battery recycling factory reportedly caught fire due to an electrical short circuit from a battery cooling unit. The incident occurred at approximately 1:10 PM on July 29th and continued into July 30th, with strong smoke and explosions from battery remnants still being observed. According to the Ministry of Environment, the inspection revealed that the fire was likely caused by improper storage of lithium battery remnants, which did not adhere to environmental safety techniques. This led to explosions and fires, impacting the health of nearby residents and animals. The facility is located about 50 meters from residential areas and 10 meters from a chicken farm housing approximately 20,000 chickens. Since the incident, over 2,000 chickens have reportedly died. The Ministry of Environment stated that air quality measurements indicated high levels of pollutants and that the team is continuing to monitor and collect environmental samples from the surrounding area for analysis of hazardous substances. Sources indicate that the recycling site had received approval from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation in December 2025 and had only been in trial operation for one month. The company was involved in collecting and recycling various types of battery and lithium battery waste to extract metals. The Ministry of Environment found that the facility operated without preparing an environmental impact assessment report or obtaining a permit for collecting and storing battery and lithium battery waste. Operating a business that collects, stores, disassembles, and recycles battery and lithium battery waste without a permit, and engaging in activities that cause environmental pollution, is a violation of Articles 668, 243, 271, and 272 of the Law on Environment and Natural Resources. The Ministry of Environment has fined the company and ordered it to provide compensation for the environmental impact and damages, as well as relocate its operations.