PUBLISHED : 12 Aug 2024 at 12:39
In a significant crackdown on hazardous waste management, environmental crime police and industrial officials seized approximately 14,400 tonnes of hazardous aluminium dross from two smelting factories located in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon provinces, near Bangkok, over the weekend.
According to police reports, a semi-trailer truck transporting large bags of aluminium dross was stopped during a routine check in Nakhon Pathom. The truck was en route to an aluminium factory in Samut Sakhon without the necessary permits.
Inspecting the factory, Taibao Aluminum Co, in Muang district of Samut Sakhon, authorities discovered 1,400 bags containing a total of 2,100 tonnes of aluminium dross. Although the factory was inactive at the time, several hot aluminium bars were located on-site.
Further investigations led officials to another smelting facility in Nakhon Pathom, identified as the source of the illegally transported aluminium dross. This factory was also found abandoned, with no employees present.
At this location, authorities confiscated an additional 12,387 tonnes of aluminium dross and more hot aluminium bars. This facility had previously been ordered to shut down by the Department of Industrial Works in April due to illegal operations, which appears to have been ignored.
Authorities suspect that both factories are operated by individuals from China and are committed to finding and prosecuting those responsible for the illegal activities at the Nakhon Pathom site. Investigations into the operations in Samut Sakhon are ongoing.
Highlighting the health risks associated with aluminium dross, officials warned that contamination of air and water could lead to serious health issues, including skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems.
