Elkem reports an explosion at Saint-Fons pilot workshop in France
On 22 December 2025, an accident occurred in the pilot workshop of the Elkem Silicones site in Saint‑Fons, France. Four of our colleagues were injured, and with profound sadness, we must confirm that two of them have since passed away.
This tragedy has deeply affected all of us at Elkem, as well as our wider industrial community. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, and our colleagues who are enduring these extremely difficult days. Supporting them continues to be our absolute priority.
Since the moment the accident occurred, Elkem has remained fully engaged with the French authorities to understand the causes and circumstances of the event. Investigations led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Regional Directorate for Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL), the Bureau of Investigation for Industrial Risks (BEA‑RI), and the Labor Inspectorate are ongoing. In parallel, the company has launched its own internal investigation. We are actively cooperating with each of these processes, sharing all relevant information, including findings from our internal assessments. It is too early to draw conclusions, and we believe it is essential to let the investigations continue their work with complete independence and rigor. Out of respect for the victims and their families, as well as for the teams committed to uncovering the facts, we will not engage in speculation.
The operation underway at the time of the accident was a standard devolatilization process, carried out regularly in the pilot workshop as part of pre‑industrialization and small‑scale production activities. The equipment used was recent, compliant with regulatory standards, and had undergone an independent inspection less than a week before the event. The workshop itself had been subjected to a full ATEX audit between 2022 and 2024, and all non‑conformities identified during this process had been addressed. The colleagues involved were experienced professionals with extensive knowledge of industrial risks, including those associated with hydrogen. Their years of expertise ranged from more than ten to over thirty years, and several were recognized specialists in their field. On the day of the incident, after noticing an unusual reaction inside the reactor, they consulted with Health, Safety and Environment teams as well as process engineers and the workshop manager to identify the safest corrective actions. Preliminary indications suggest that a gas release—most likely hydrogen—may have played a role, but only the ongoing investigations will be able to confirm this.
The company has invested significantly in safety and risk‑prevention measures in recent years, with more than €25 million dedicated since 2019 to strengthening the infrastructure and safety systems at the Saint‑Fons site. These efforts reflect the long‑standing commitment of our teams and leadership to ensuring that safety remains at the heart of our operations. For many years, thousands of hours of work have been devoted to improving equipment, strengthening prevention systems, and reducing industrial risks. This commitment remains unchanged today, and it continues to guide our actions as we work to fully understand what happened and to prevent such events from ever occurring again.
Although the accident did not impact other production units, operations at the site were halted immediately as a precaution. The restart of production is planned for 6 January 2026, subject to all safety conditions being met and pending approval from the authorities. We understand the concerns this situation may raise among our customers, suppliers, and partners. Our teams are closely monitoring any potential effects on our ability to supply products and will inform you promptly should any impact arise. Ensuring continuity of service while prioritizing the safety of our employees and stakeholders remains a core principle for us.
Throughout this period, Elkem continues to act according to three guiding principles: responsibility, facts, and respect. We fully assume our responsibilities as an industrial company. We remain committed to factual, transparent communication and to supporting the authorities in their work. Above all, we respect the pain experienced by the victims’ families, the solidarity shown by their colleagues, and the courage of the teams preparing to return to work in the coming days. Our entire organization remains united in confronting this tragedy, determined to understand what happened, to draw all necessary lessons, and to continue operating safely and responsibly within our community.
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 7 200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com