Human Rights Council calls for adequate monetary compensation to Sibay residents

UFA, 8 August 2019. /Bashinform News Agency/ translated by Tatiana Aksyutina/.

The Presidential Council on the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights published recommendations to the authorities of Bashkiria on the situation with ore smoldering in the Sibai quarry following an exit meeting in the republic in March 2019.

As a result of the work done, members and experts of the Environmental Rights Commission found that one of the most likely causes of a fire in the Novy Sibai deposit was non-usage of fire prevention measures (siltation or concreting of cavities) in the extraction of ore with high sulfur content. After 2008 works were carried out without applying these measures, the report said.

The Commission concluded that to solve the problem of dangerous atmospheric air pollution in the city of Sibay, the option of further flooding the mine seemed to be the most correct for the complete elimination of the remaining centers of ore smoldering. Up to the complete elimination of the foci of smoldering, the increase in the concentration of sulfur dioxide is possible in the mine. MAC for sulfur dioxide may be exceeded while adverse weather conditions and in the city too.

The Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the administration of Sibay are recommended to continue constant monitoring of air conditions, to inform residents of any decisions made, as well as to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nature and extent of the damage to the health of city residents, with particular attention to assessing the harmful effects on minors. Based on the results of the assessment, it was entrusted to work out the issue of organizing additional measures of sanatorium and health rehabilitation services to residents.

The Human Rights Council advised the management of the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company, Uchalinsky Mining Plant, and Sibaysky Mining Plant, to complete as soon as possible the project for further flooding of mines, to finally find out the most likely causes of the occurrence and extensive development of fires and to work out the issue of paying adequate monetary compensation to residents of the city.