Briefing: Centerra gold and the Kumtor gold mine, Kyrgyzstan
December 14, 2015
An update on the contentious EBRD project and its client, following a field visit by Bankwatch and partners to the mining site in October 2015
COP21: How glacial melt and toxic waste could spell disaster in Kyrgyzstan
December 2, 2015
BISHKEK, 2 décembre 2015 (IRIN) – High in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan Mountains, the twin effects of climate change and gold mining have combined to pose a potential environmental and human health disaster. A melting glacier is feeding a rapidly expanding lake, which experts fear could burst its banks and overrun a mine tailings pond, releasing toxic waste into the region’s water system.
European Environmental Team Harassed in Kyrgyzstan
October 22, 2015
Kyrgyzstan’s “foreign agent” frenzy, actively supported by Russia, involved the Kyrgyz state security service (GKNB) this month after Prague-based environmental NGO CEE Bankwatch traveled to the site of protests against the Kumtor gold mine project operated by Canadian mining company Centerra Gold.
Russia aims ‘foreign agent’ law at green NGO
September 15, 2015
The respected Russian campaign group Sakhalin Environment Watch is being forced to choose between registering as a ‘foreign agent’ label and closing down, writes Oliver Tickell. Environmental campaigning, it seems, is now a ‘political activity’.
Russian environmental organisation forced to choose between ‘foreign agent’ label and shutdown
September 11, 2015
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia – Sakhalin Environment Watch (SEW), Bankwatch member group in Russia’s far east, has been ordered by the Russian authorities to register itself as a ‘foreign agent’. The group rejects claims it is engaged in any political activity, and intends to contest the decision. If the decision is not repealed, the group will consider shutting down.
Investigation launched into Mongolian iron ore mine financed by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for impacts on local communities
September 3, 2015
Updated September 10, 2015* Amsterdam/Ulaanbaatar/Prague – Last week, the independent accountability mechanism of the EBRD announced it will investigate *the Bank’s compliance with its environmental and social standards at a mine it finances and is operated by Altain Khuder in the Gobi-Altai region of Mongolia. The investigation comes in response to a complaint filed to the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM) in December 2014 from herders affected by the project.
European Bank Says Mining Projects Don’t Damage Glaciers
July 8, 2015
For years, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been involved in the Kumtor mining project, which some experts say is contaminating ground and surface waters. Kyrgyz local communities have been complaining that the gold mine is causing negative environmental and social impacts on the nearby villages. Additionally, international NGOs and Kyrgyz environmentalists believe that the Canadian-operated Centerra Gold mine is triggering rapid glacier melt due to company’s mining practices. The EBRD has denied these claims.
Reflections on biodiversity offsetting in Mongolia
May 25, 2015
A fact-finding mission in April 2015 to Mongolia identified serious concerns regarding the implementation of the new Mongolian Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation – in particular the specific provision on biodiversity offsetting. Oyu Tolgoi (OT), the largest mining investment ever licensed in Mongolia, has been the first project to include a biodiversity offset action in its EIA and related biodiversity management plan.
Interviewing the EBRD about the Kumtor gold mine
May 14, 2015
This interview was conducted during the EBRD annual meeting and business forum, 14-15 May 2015 in Tbilisi. The interview was led by Ryskeldi Satke (RS) with Dr. Alistair Clark (AC), EBRD’s Managing Director Environment and Sustainability Department; Michaela Bergman (MB), EBRD’s Chief Counselor for Social Issues Environment and Sustainability Department; and Dr. Dariusz Prasek (DP), Director, Project Appraisal Environment Department.
Guest post: Plight of locals at Kumtor mine brought to Centerra Gold’s general meeting in Toronto
May 11, 2015
Journalist and researcher Ryskeldi Satke reports on Centerra Gold’s annual general meeting where mining activists presented shareholders with information on human rights violations and the negative environmental and social impacts of the Kumtor Gold mine.