Despite public outcry and a lack of permits, Slovenian company Andrada began trial operations at its battery recycling facility in Sóskút as early as last summer.

Although the plant has yet to officially launch, internal footage and employee accounts obtained by HVG.hu reveal that Andrada ran its production line for a short period last summer during a trial run—and the process exposed glaring technical issues. The photos show the machinery was already assembled at that time, and the shredding equipment—designed to process battery production waste—was emitting grayish-black dust during operation.

Responding to HVG’s inquiry, the Pest County Government Office confirmed the company did not notify them about conducting a trial run, nor were they formally aware of it. Following the report, inspectors visited the site but found no signs of active operation at the time. Nevertheless, they indicated that more inspections are planned, since Andrada currently holds neither a valid waste management license nor an official site permit for the Sóskút facility.

Black dust covered everything

Although the company previously claimed its technology operates in a fully enclosed system without noise or air pollution, the latest images and reports suggest otherwise. Fine graphite dust was found covering the floor, machinery, and workers’ clothing—implying that the dust filtration system or machinery seals were not functioning properly.

The machine line is supposed to grind and mill battery waste through multiple stages in a hermetically sealed process that ultimately separates the components. But as soon as it was switched on, you could see very fine dust pouring out through the joints, cracks, and even holes, one internal source told HVG. (Photos by a reader can be seen in HVG’s article.)

The issue was likely caused not by manufacturing defects but by errors in on-site assembly. The equipment was assembled over several months, and the gaps were sealed using silicone paste. Andrada had previously showcased the technology to the media, claiming it was environmentally friendly, required minimal water, and used industrial-grade HEPA filters for air purification.

Officials withheld approval

The government office revoked the facility’s waste management permit back in April. The local Sóskút municipality does not support the investment and withheld the necessary local approval for operations, leading to an ongoing legal battle with Andrada.

Residents of Sóskút and the local government have long opposed the plant due to environmental concerns and missing regulatory approvals. A former employee has since confirmed that the leaked photos from the unauthorised trial run were indeed taken at the company’s local site—raising further concerns and fueling strong opposition, which could significantly complicate the company’s ability to move forward. While Andrada is seeking to reapply for permits, there’s no clear timeline or path forward for officially launching operations at the battery recycling plant.

Read also:

• Job cuts and hiring sprees: What Hungary’s battery industry shake-up means for guest workers
• Multiple battery, AI investments and developments announced in Hungary

The featured image is for illustrative purposes only. Source: Pexels.com

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