Fire at Elkem Salten
A fire broke out this afternoon at Elkem’s silicon plant in Salten, Norway, and emergency services have been mobilised. Four individuals have been transported to the local health services. Their conditions are not critical. The fire is still ongoing, but under control.
“Health, safety and the environment are our first priorities. All personnel are now accounted for, and we are following up the four colleagues who have been sent to the local health services for check-ups. In addition, we have halted all production and are doing our utmost to assist the emergency services,” says Ove Sørdahl, plant manager for Elkem Salten.
The fire is reported to have started in a building which is housing raw materials, including carbon materials. Some of these are highly flammable.
Elkem Salten is located in Straumen, in the Sørfold municipality in Nordland county in the north of Norway. It is one of the world’s largest and most modern silicon plants exporting silicon and silica fume products worldwide. The plant has around 200 employees. With its three furnaces, the plant has an annual production capacity of 128,000 mt, of which silicon capacity is 80,000.
“We are still at an early stage and it is too soon to be precise on any long-term impacts on production or physical assets. Health, safety and the environment must come first. That said, all production is currently halted. We will come back with additional updates once we have more information on the totality of the situation,” says Sørdahl.
For further information, please contact:
Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com
Fredrik Norman
VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +47 918 66 567
E-mail: fredrik.norman@elkem.com
About Elkem
Elkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,300 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2022, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 45.9 billion and CDP ratings of A- on climate and forest. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com
