Authorities in East Kazakhstan have initiated a comprehensive investigation into KazZinc’s operations due to its annual emissions of 23,000 tons of air pollutants in Ust-Kamenogorsk. According to the region’s Akim, Yerzhan Kosherbayev, the prosecutor’s office is collaborating with specialized agencies and experts from across the country. Preliminary findings have been shared with KazZinc’s management to identify solutions for improving the city’s environmental conditions.
Ust-Kamenogorsk has long struggled with air quality issues, particularly during adverse weather conditions, when heavy smog blankets the city. Residents have consistently voiced concerns and demanded tighter controls on industrial emissions. Following a prolonged smog episode in November, local authorities placed environmental monitoring under heightened scrutiny, forming a dedicated commission to inspect businesses suspected of contributing to the pollution.
Efforts to address these issues aim to create lasting improvements through cooperation between the government and industry stakeholders.
