The Ministry of Environment has revoked the environmental permit of the company Kurum International for its activity in the area of the former Metallurgical Combine in Elbasan.
The decision was taken by the Minister of Environment, Sofjan Jaupaj, who on 3 November 2026 signed order no. 540 revoking the Type A environmental permit issued to the company in September 2016.
The decision affects a number of KURUM’s industrial activities, including steel production, metal smelting, foundry work, metal processing and welding, as well as lime production.
The proposal to suspend Kurum’s permit came from the National Environmental Agency (AKM) and was approved by the Ministry of Environment.
The Ministry of Environment’s decision comes two years after the Turkish company came under investigation by the Durrës Prosecutor’s Office over the shipment of hazardous waste from Durrës to Thailand, which was later returned to Albania because of the danger it posed.
In connection with the 2,800-tonne hazardous cargo, the Durrës Prosecutor’s Office issued 33 arrest warrants in February 2026, including against officials who hold state positions.