The authorities of the Republic of Tyva decided to ban alluvial mining gold in three regions until 2033. This decision was a response to protests from local residents concerned about the environmental consequences of gold mining.
The restrictions included territories in the Chedi-Khol and Tere-Khol regions. The authorities explain their decision by the need to protect nature from the negative impact of industrial activity.
In the Chedi-Kholsky district, the ban affected the river valley near the village of Sailyg – this is the only source of drinking water for two settlements. In the Tere-Khol region, the healing springs of Arzhaan Tarys and Lake Tere-Khol are under protection. Now only geological exploration, but not prey.
Previously, companies could obtain a license simply by submitting an application. Now the rights to geological exploration and gold production will be auctioned. This is done for a more transparent distribution of plots.
In 2024, residents of the Chedi-Kholsky district blocked the bridge, preventing the passage of equipment from a gold mining company. People feared that the work would lead to deforestation and pollution of the rivers on which the villages depend for their water supply. After the protests, the authorities suspended the company’s activities.
The ban on gold mining until 2033 is a compromise between economic interests and environmental safety. The decision was supported by local residents, for whom the purity of nature is a matter of survival.
Now in these areas of Tyva only geological research can be carried out, but not industrial mining. This is an important step in preserving the region’s unique natural sites.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @zolteh
Photo: vedomosti.ru
