More than 300 tons of dust seized from Ferrochrome Plant, environmental agency deems waste highly hazardous; Albchrome investigation continues

Elbasan prosecutors have seized more than 300 tons of industrial dust from the Ferrochrome Plant, owned by concessionaire Albchrome, as evidence. The material was collected by the system that captures dust during production and is considered important to establishing the facts under investigation.

Official prosecution documents put the seized quantity at around 300 tons. The waste will be used to establish the circumstances and facts at the center of the criminal investigation.

Because of the type and quantity of the material, prosecutors have decided that it will remain in Albchrome sh.p.k.’s custody. The company is legally required to maintain and safeguard it and to make it available to the investigating authorities whenever requested.

Operations suspended after 318 tons of waste discovered

The case became public on May 28, when the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory suspended Albchrome’s operations. During inspections, officials found 318 tons of hazardous waste stored in conditions that, according to the authorities, did not meet the necessary safety requirements.

The inspections also found that the company had no contracts for the transfer, removal, disposal or processing of that quantity of waste.

Environmental agency deems waste highly hazardous

The National Environment Agency (AKM) has paid particular attention to the case. In its report, it assessed the waste as highly hazardous.

The material is dust collected by a dedicated system that captures emissions during ferrochrome production. The environmental assessment raised serious concerns about the danger it poses.

The seizure by Elbasan prosecutors marks another development in the investigation into industrial waste at the Ferrochrome Plant. The investigation is expected to clarify how the waste was managed, stored and treated, who bears responsibility, and whether legal obligations to protect the environment and public health were met.