Russia: Multiple violations of environmental legislation identified at Vysokogorsky Mining & Processing Plant
[Summary translation prepared by Business & Human Rights Centre]
Russia’s environmental watchdog finds violations at the Vysokogorsky Mining and Processing Plant, 20 January 2025
Russia’s environmental regulator, Rosprirodnadzor, identified violations of environmental legislation at facilities operated by the Vysokogorsky Mining and Processing Plant in Nizhny Tagil. A ten-day on-site inspection was conducted at the Estyuninskaya mine as well as the Lebyazhinskaya and Vysokogorsk industrial sites.
Inspectors reported violations related to the protection of atmospheric air, water bodies, and the environment, according to the watchdog’s statement. The most significant findings included:
The plant operated without a permit for the emission of air pollutants.
Wastewater was discharged into the Tagil River in excess of established standards.
Waste was disposed of without an integrated environmental permit.
Incomplete and inaccurate information was submitted in reports on the organization and results of industrial environmental monitoring.
Monitoring of groundwater conditions and pollution was conducted without comparison to background data.
Deadlines for advance payments for negative environmental impact were not met.
The enterprise was issued an order to remedy the violations. Rosprirodnadzor plans to initiate administrative proceedings against the company and its director, Yuri Molokov.