Kampong Speu villagers fear pollution after battery fire
Residents say a battery-smelting factory remains close to their homes after a fire injured workers and polluted the air.
Friday 6 November · 14:01 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- A fire at a battery-storage facility in Toul Sambor injured workers, and the Environment Ministry found high air-pollutant levels. [1]
- The ministry attributed the fire to improper lithium-battery storage, fined the company and said the facility must move. [1]
- Residents say a factory that smelts used batteries is still operating about 60 meters from their homes. [1]
What happened
CamboJA News reported that a battery-storage facility in Toul Sambor village, Kampong Speu province, caught fire in July, injuring several workers. The Environment Ministry said improper storage of lithium batteries caused the fire, found high levels of air pollutants and fined the company, requiring it to relocate the facility. Residents say a nearby factory smelting used batteries is still operating about 60 meters from homes. One villager told the outlet that smoke from the fire lingered for days and that her grandsons were hospitalized with respiratory infections; the report does not establish that the fire caused their illness.
Why it matters
Residents fear that pollution from the nearby factory could affect their health, environment and livelihoods. The report gives residents’ concerns and the ministry’s findings, but does not establish the health effects of the smelting factory.
Background
The Council for the Development of Cambodia approved a $6.3 million investment in a metallurgical and processing factory in October 2025, with 455 jobs expected, according to CamboJA News. The outlet said it could not verify whether the environmental impact assessment required by Cambodian law for smelting operations had been conducted. Residents said there was no public consultation before the industrial park was built.
Key terms
- Lithium battery
- A rechargeable battery that uses lithium and is often used in electronic devices.
- Smelting
- Heating material to extract metal from it.
- Environmental impact assessment
- A study of how a project may affect the environment and people.
Timeline
- October 2025 The Council for the Development of Cambodia approved a $6.3 million investment in a metallurgical and processing factory in Toul Sambor.
- Early 2026 The battery facility began operating, according to the village chief cited by CamboJA News.
- July 2026 The battery-storage facility caught fire, injured workers and led to ministry findings of high air-pollutant levels.
- September 8, 2026 CamboJA News reported on residents’ concerns about the nearby battery-smelting factory.
Sources (1)
[1] CamboJA News After Battery Storage Fire, Kampong Speu Villagers Fear Smelter Next Door 6 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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