The fate of a controversial mining project in the Voronezh region could be put up for public discussion, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Sergei Donskoi said Wednesday.
Plans to mine nickel and copper at two deposits in the region may be taken to the ministry's public council, RIA Novosti reported.
"It may be [included in the public council's agenda]. I have definitely received this information, and we are checking everything," Donskoi told reporters.
"We all understand that this matter is very important," he said. "In any event, we will demand that the company meet all environmental standards, including those defined in the license."
The Ural Metals and Mining Co. won rights to the Yelanskoye and Yelinskoye nickel deposits in May 2012.
"First, it needs to be understood what's going on, because if the company has delayed starting work, it could be because they want to do some additional assessments, including environmental ones," Donskoi said.
An alliance of environmentalists, local residents and Cossacks has been protesting the proposed project since last spring. Critics say the mining would contaminate agricultural land and threaten the Khoper River and a nearby nature reserve.
The matter is being reviewed by the Federal Agency for Regulation of Use of Natural Resources, the country's main environmental watchdog, Donskoi said.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.