[REVISION HISTORY]

SK On battery factory safety and contamination issues

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-12 08:41 UTC → 2026-09-29 14:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The SK On battery factory in Iváncsa, Hungary, has faced significant regulatory and environmental challenges. In August 2026, authorities fined SK On Hungary Kft. 100 million forints following investigations into severe occupational safety violations. The company was found to have endangered the health of 65 employees through excessive nickel exposure, failure to conduct mandatory air pollution measurements, and the provision of inadequate personal protective equipment. Following these safety findings, a separate environmental issue emerged in late August 2026 when the factory reported NMP (n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) contamination in a monitoring well on its premises. NMP is a solvent noted for its potential harmful effects, including being teratogenic. In response, the Mayor of Iváncsa ordered testing of all village wells by an independent firm. While officials stated the piped drinking water supply remains unaffected, a second-degree water alert was issued on September 2, 2026. By September 12, 2026, the municipality announced that water samples taken from 55 drilled and dug wells showed no signs of contamination. SK On confirmed it suspended the operation of relevant equipment to address the leak and pledged full cooperation with investigations. In light of these incidents, the LIGA Iron and Metal Industry Federation has requested that the National Occupational Safety Committee address health risks associated with battery factories in Hungary and is contacting local Member of Parliament Ervin Nagy to advocate for worker rights regarding safe working environments. On September 29, 2026, the Fejér County Government Office issued an additional 100 million HUF fine against the factory. This penalty was imposed after operations deviating from approved permits caused groundwater pollution. Consequently, authorities have ordered the immediate suspension of the pipelines and wells responsible for the contamination, along with any other pipes and wells sharing identical technical designs.

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