A lithium battery recycling plant in Fredericktown, Missouri, experienced a fire in October 2024, leading to concerns about the environmental impact on the surrounding area. Residents discovered dead fish in nearby waterways and reported exposure to toxic smoke and heavy metals. The plant, Critical Mineral Recovery, had opened just a year prior, and prior to that, its owners had a fire at a different facility in Illinois. The Missouri Department of Conservation is investigating the fish kills and potential toxic runoff from firefighting chemicals, but the long-term impact is still unknown.
Local residents and lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations on hazardous businesses, with some introducing House Bill 704 to impose more controls. The parent company of the plant, Evolution Metals, is committed to rebuilding and working closely with officials. However, many residents remain skeptical and are concerned about the future safety of the area.
Furthermore, Evolution Metals is in the process of acquiring Critical Mineral Recovery to bolster domestic processing of rare earth minerals and reduce reliance on Chinese producers. This acquisition will enhance midstream processing for industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, and renewable energy, as well as recycling end-of-life materials into essential manufacturing feedstocks. As the cleanup and investigation continue, the community is on edge about the potential lasting effects of the plant on the environment and their health.
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