National
• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Lithium Battery Fire at Kampong Speu Factory Sparks Environmental Crisis
PHNOM PENH, July 31, 2026 – A fire at a metal recycling factory in Kampong Speu province has caused severe air pollution and killed thousands of livestock, as authorities found the blaze was triggered by improperly stored lithium batteries.
The fire broke out on July 29 at the XINSHENG SHENG METAL MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL PARKS Co., Ltd. facility and continued burning until the night of July 30, with thick smoke and repeated explosions preventing officials from reaching the storage centre.
According to an inspection report on July 30, the Ministry of Environment and local authorities determined that the fire was caused by improper storage of lithium battery waste, violating environmental safety standards. Air quality measurements around the site showed high levels of pollutants, posing health risks to humans and animals.
ប្រភព និងរូបភាព៖ ទំព័រហ្វេសប៊ុក Ministry of Environment
A poultry farm located just 10 metres from the fire has lost more than 2,000 chickens due to toxic smoke. The factory is also situated only 50 metres from residential homes.
Authorities found that the company had violated environmental laws, including operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), lacking permits for battery waste collection and storage, and causing environmental pollution—violating Articles 668, 243, 271, and 272 of the Environmental and Natural Resources Code.
The Ministry of Environment has ordered the company to cease operations, relocate, pay fines, and provide compensation for environmental damage. Residents have been urged to wear masks, maintain hygiene, and monitor children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
The fire broke out on July 29 at the XINSHENG SHENG METAL MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL PARKS Co., Ltd. facility and continued burning until the night of July 30, with thick smoke and repeated explosions preventing officials from reaching the storage centre.
According to an inspection report on July 30, the Ministry of Environment and local authorities determined that the fire was caused by improper storage of lithium battery waste, violating environmental safety standards. Air quality measurements around the site showed high levels of pollutants, posing health risks to humans and animals.
ប្រភព និងរូបភាព៖ ទំព័រហ្វេសប៊ុក Ministry of EnvironmentA poultry farm located just 10 metres from the fire has lost more than 2,000 chickens due to toxic smoke. The factory is also situated only 50 metres from residential homes.
Authorities found that the company had violated environmental laws, including operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), lacking permits for battery waste collection and storage, and causing environmental pollution—violating Articles 668, 243, 271, and 272 of the Environmental and Natural Resources Code.
The Ministry of Environment has ordered the company to cease operations, relocate, pay fines, and provide compensation for environmental damage. Residents have been urged to wear masks, maintain hygiene, and monitor children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
