December 20, 2023: Lead battery recycler Gopher Resource said there were no reported injuries as a result of a fire at its Eagan facility in Minnesota on December 17.

The fire began at around 5am local time on December 17.

Gopher said state and local emergency response officials were notified of the incident and the company praised firefighters who extinguished the blaze.

The company said government officials had advised that there was no current threat to the public and, in consultation with applicable regulators, Gopher will continue monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of employees and the community.

Gopher did not disclose what impact the fire had, if any, on production at the site or disclose details of any damage caused.

In addition to Eagan, which also operates a community recycling center for Dakota County, Gopher has a lead battery recycling plant in Tampa, Florida.