Russian gold mine pollutes Khor River tributary with untreated wastewater

A gold mining company in Russia’s Khabarovsk Territory has polluted a tributary of the Khor River with untreated wastewater. The incident occurred during placer gold extraction in the Lazovsky District. Authorities detected the contamination during routine checks in May. The ecological division of the regional state control authority identified the pollution. Water samples revealed suspended solid levels over 220 milligrams per litre. The contamination spread across a 990-metre stretch of the tributary.

The company failed to follow proper decontamination procedures for its equipment. Under Russia’s Water Code, all water users must prevent environmental harm. Those responsible for such damage are legally required to compensate for the harm caused.

This is not the first environmental violation in the region. Last week, a logging company in Novostroyka was caught illegally burning sawmill waste. The gold mining firm has now been ordered to pay 4.5 million rubles in damages to the federal budget. The company must cover the financial penalty for the pollution. The case highlights ongoing enforcement of environmental laws in Khabarovsk Territory. Authorities continue to monitor compliance with water protection regulations.