Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Levan Davitashvili got familiar with the activities undertaken by "Georgian Manganese"

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili visited city Chiatura to get familiar with the fulfillment of environmental obligations taken by ‘’Georgian Manganese’’. The Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Kakha Kuchava, Single Mandate MP of Chiatura, Sulkhan Makhatadze and new Governor of Imereti region,  Shavlego Tabatadze accompanied the Minister.
The company has to implement environmental measures in accordance with the long-term and short-term liabilities imposing to perform permitted actions in compliance with the terms established by the Ministry.
Over the years, we faced a problem related to the contamination of River Kvirila, which was caused by the enrichment of ore, the situation is aggravated by the fact that background manganese levels are high in the river as it naturally erodes manganese-containing rocks while flowing through the area. The company "Georgian Manganese" plans to build a new plant, where  manufacturing process will no longer be connected to the river.
"It is important for us to solve the environmental problem in the nearest future. Consequently, we have seen all those critical points related to the mining process. The company "Georgian Manganese" has a specific action plan how to fix the situation within a reasonable timeframe. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture will permanently undertake the monitoring of this process. We also heard problems from the residents of the city and these issues will be discussed in the government session. We should have an immediate response to the most critical environmental problems in Chiatura and to fix them in the shortest possible time"- said Levan Davitashvili.
"The new factory, which will be constructed, meets high standards, which is the precondition for the final solution to the problem related to the contamination of river Kvirila. However, we have seen a lot of disappointing conditions, especially in case of the manganese mining occurring in open pits, which does not meet any standards. I understand that many subcontractors are engaged in this situation, but it is also very important to put their work into the frame whereby safety and health of the people living nearby areas will be considered " - said Kakha Kuchava.
The schedule for plan (including activities to accomplish within a certain timeframe) submitted to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture by ‘’Georgian Manganese’’ should be performed- said Majoritarian MP Sulkhan Makhatadze about the existing environmental problems in Chiatura.
"Business needs further development and growth. The company mainly employs local residents. This is of utmost importance for country's economy and for local budget as well, therefore, people's interests should be taken into consideration " - Sulkhan Makhatadze said.
"Georgian Manganese" is investing 20 million dollars in the construction of a new factory. The construction started last year and will be completed by the end of the year. In order to solve an environmental problem, the company has taken a 14-point obligation, including the recultivation of the territories.
"German specialists are engaged in the construction of a new factory , which will come to an end in two months. This plant will protect river Kvirila from contamination. The next project will be the recultivation of the territories, including those areas which have been damaged since the Communist era "said Nikoloz Chikovani, the special manager of Georgian Manganese.