[Summary translation from Chinese to English by the Resource Centre]

Residents of Karatas village in Kulebayi Township, Habahe County, have reported that "Xinjiang Habahe Asher Copper Company uses chemicals during nighttime mining operations that produce strong odors, causing pollution and affecting health. Previous complaints to the village committee went unaddressed."

Villagers also claimed that "wastewater produced during nighttime operations smells foul and is discharged into the river, with odors detectable even in the county town. The river water is also used for agriculture and livestock, posing health risks."

Residents from Jiangjiuleke village, located about 10km from the company, reported that "foul-smelling wastewater from the copper company is affecting their health as the odor reaches their village."...

Investigations confirmed these allegations were partially true. The company uses common flotation reagents in copper ore processing, with residual chemicals in the tailings pond causing the reported odors. While authorities found no evidence of illegal wastewater discharge during three inspections in 2024, the Habahe County People's Government has ordered Xinjiang Habahe Asher Copper Company to develop a remediation plan for the tailings pond odor issue, with clear improvement targets, technical solutions, and completion deadlines. The company must complete remediation by December 30, 2024.