The State Duma is considering measures to strengthen control over alluvial mining gold. Deputies propose to lift the moratorium on inspections and introduce criminal liability for unscrupulous subsoil users. These steps will help protect the environment, especially in regions with fragile ecosystems.
At a meeting of the State Duma Committee on Ecology and Natural Resources on May 20, problems related to gold mining were discussed. First Deputy Chairman of the Committee Vyacheslav Fetisov stated the need to lift the moratorium on inspections of gold mining companies.
“We receive many complaints about the pollution of spawning rivers, especially in Altai and Transbaikalia. Without constant monitoring, the situation will worsen,” Fetisov noted.
Another initiative is to tighten penalties for illegal mining gold. Now fines for such violations amount to only 3-5 thousand rubles, which does not stop violators. Deputies propose to make changes to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences.
“In 2024, the Minister of Natural Resources promised to prepare a corresponding bill, but the work was delayed,” noted committee member Zarif Bayguskarov.
According to Rosprirodnadzor, damage from the activities of gold miners over the past three years has exceeded 17 billion rubles. During this time, more than 3 thousand licenses were revoked, but the problem remains relevant.
“We are analyzing how much revenue from gold mining covers the costs of restoring nature. There is no exact data yet,” emphasized the head of the committee, Dmitry Kobylkin.
A bill to tighten liability is being approved by the government. After approval by the Ministry of Justice, the document will be submitted to the State Duma.
Experts believe that the new measures will help reduce environmental damage and increase the efficiency of the industry.
Source: @zolteh
Image generated by a neural network
