Vostoktsvetmet LLP was fined more than KZT 100 million for violating environmental legislation in the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). The violations were identified during an inspection of the fulfilment of obligations to remediate the consequences of subsoil use.
WHAT THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FOUND
According to the EKR prosecutor's office, the violation was identified by the specialised environmental prosecutor's office during an analysis of compliance with environmental protection legislation.
The inspection showed that the enterprise had for a long time failed to remediate the consequences of subsoil use at the Yubileyno-Snegirikhinskoye deposit, located in Glubokovsky District.
WHAT PUNISHMENT THE ENTERPRISE RECEIVED
On the basis of a prosecutorial supervision act, the EKR ecology department conducted an unscheduled inspection of Vostoktsvetmet LLP.
Based on its results, the enterprise was held administratively liable under Part 1 of Article 328 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Exceeding technological standards for emissions into the environment"). The fine exceeded KZT 100 million.
WHAT THEY WERE ORDERED TO REMEDY
In addition to the fine, the enterprise was issued an order to remediate the consequences of subsoil use. The company was also required to ensure systematic monitoring of the implementation of environmental protection measures.
Compliance with environmental legislation in the region remains under the constant supervision of the prosecutor's office.
CONTEXT
The inspection was conducted following complaints from residents about a change in the colour of the Karaguzhika river. The water acquired an unusual "orange" hue.
On 31 July 2026, the ecology department conducted an unscheduled inspection of the former mine. Specialists found numerous discharges of mine water, which entered a stream on the mine's territory and then the river. The inspection also revealed a change in the chemical composition of the water and soil contamination.