2021-04-23

KUMTOR-BRUSSELS - A two-part investigation unveiled how European taxpayers and consumers have unintentionally contributed to unlawful and environmentally dangerous gold extraction at Kumtor (Kyrgyzstan), the world's largest open-pit ice-mining site.

In the first part, the team found out that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), whose main shareholders are the EU and its member states, provided loans to the project according to government permits which breached national law protecting glaciers and water resources from pollution.

In the first stage of the investigation, the team proved that the EBRD has underestimated the long-term water contamination risks posed by the excess accumulation of acid waste rocks and chemicals associated with the open pit dug through the glacier and with the poor treatment of the mine toxic tailing. In the second part of the investigation, the team tracked Kumtor's export all the way to Europe, following the supply chain which brings gold to banks' coffers and up to jewel makers and retailers. Such costly precious things come with an even higher hidden ecological cost. Those buying precious bracelets and rings will now know that what is shining is not necessarily sustainable. 

Photo: ©  Alexander Shabalin

Team members

Luca Pauti

Luca Pauti is a French-Italian freelance translator and journalist. 

Aleksander Shabalin

Aleksander Shabalin is a Kyrgyz freelance journalist. 

need resources for your own investigative story?

Journalismfund Europe's flexible grants programmes enable journalists to produce relevant public interest stories with a European mind-set from international, national, and regional perspectives.

Apply

support independent cross-border investigative journalism

We rely on your support to continue the work that we do. Make a gift of any amount today.

Donate