Activity by a group suspected of organising the illegal extraction and processing of manganese ore has been stopped in the Ulytau region. According to the investigation, more than 23,000 tonnes of product were sold for over 1 billion tenge.
HOW THE EXTRACTION WAS ORGANISED
According to the Agency for Financial Monitoring (AFM), the suspects operated under the guise of carrying out land reclamation work at a depleted quarry. At the site, as the investigation established, a mining and processing complex was in operation with heavy quarry machinery and crushing and washing equipment.
The extracted ore was processed into commercial concentrate, which was then exported by rail to neighbouring states. To ensure systematic dispatch of the raw material, the suspects leased a railway siding.
WHAT DAMAGE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED
According to the investigation's version of events, the volume of product sold exceeded 23,000 tonnes, with a value of over 1 billion tenge.
Environmental damage has been caused as a result of the activity. The cost of reclaiming the disturbed land exceeds 150 million tenge.
WHAT STAGE THE CASE IS AT
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is being disclosed in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.