The Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) has initiated a project to mitigate the environmental impact caused by the extraction of chrome ores at the 40 Let deposit in the Kazakh SSR – Molodezhnoe (Molodezhnaya mine) of the Donskoy GOK, a branch of Kazchrome. The project, unveiled during a gathering hosted by the Kazakh Embassy in Belgium, is aimed at addressing the consequences of mining operations and ensuring sustainable practices.
According to the project’s non-technical summary, the plan entails commencing the elimination of the mining consequences in 2025, considering the completion of reserve development at the 40 Let Kazakh SSR – Molodezhnoe deposit in 2024. ERG confirmed the operational history of the field since its inception in 1970 and stated that the project has been submitted for state environmental assessment.
The project outlines measures such as flooding mine workings with groundwater and isolating mine shafts to prevent access. Additionally, the liquidated quarry will be secured with a metal fence along its perimeter to ensure safety. However, the use of groundwater for any purposes post-liquidation is not envisioned.
In a parallel effort, ERG is also addressing environmental concerns at the East Ayat bauxite deposit, owned by Aluminum of Kazakhstan, another ERG entity. The project aims to eliminate the consequences of mining activities at quarry No. 5 of the East Ayat deposit. This project, too, has undergone public scrutiny through hearings.
The organizers of the hearings addressed public queries regarding the potential for fishing in the exhausted quarry post-flooding. While stocking of fish is deemed possible, safety measures will be implemented due to the steep slopes. ERG confirmed the initiation of this project, with plans to begin the elimination of mining consequences this year and complete them by next year.
These environmental rehabilitation efforts come in the wake of similar endeavors undertaken by ERG previously, such as the cessation of operations at the Torgai Bauxite Mining Department due to depleted reserves. ERG completed the rehabilitation of the TBRU, underlining its commitment to sustainable resource management.
