The Critical Mineral Recover lithium-ion battery recycling plant caught fire on Wednesday local time near Fredericktown (Missouri, USA), prompting the evacuation of local residents. The factory recycles electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries for consumers, it is relatively new, has 75 employees and is one of the largest facilities of this type in the world.
The Fredericktown Fire Department urged residents to evacuate, close windows and turn off air conditioning systems;
“If you see or smell smoke in this area, you must evacuate!”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said winds will push the smoke north of Fredericktown through Thursday. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources sent experts to assess air quality, water runoff and other potential environmental impacts.
Until agencies get a better idea of the impacts, the public is advised to avoid direct contact with the smoke and follow safety instructions from local authorities.
Larger lithium-ion battery factory fires in the world in 2024.
About 900 tons of lithium batteries caught fire at a battery recycling plant of French group SNAM in southern France in February 2024. SNAM did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the incident.
At least 16 people died in June this year and 6 others went missing after a fire broke out at the lithium battery factory of battery manufacturer Arisel in Hwaseong, South Korea. The fire was said to have started after battery cells exploded in the factory’s warehouse where 35,000 units were stored – although the cause of the explosion remains unclear.
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Source: www.e2.rs
