Feb. 27, 2009
Citing environmental and public health concerns, the 'Cyanide-free Bulgaria' coalition presented a petition to the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Energy on July 15, urging its government to carry out a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Chelopech copper and goldmining project. Two days later, a draft amendment to Bulgaria's Environmental Act won majority support from the European Affairs Committee of the Bulgarian Parliament, clearing a path for further discussion this autumn, according to environmental NGO network Bankwatch.
Campaigners and citizens are most concerned that plans to expand the existing mine, worth an estimated USD 200 million, include the introduction of controversial cyanide leaching technology and onsite processing. The Canada-based mine owner, Dundee Precious Metals, has consulted directly with local communities but allegedly has not involved communities located downstream in the decision-making process.
"There needs to be a high-quality consultation of the Chelopech [EIA] before any final concession agreement is signed," said Bankwatch coordinator Daniel Popov. "The Pazardhik, Plovdiv and Haskovo regions accommodate roughly 1 million people. These communities are heavily dependent on the Maritsa River for drinking and irrigation water."
A January 2000 cyanide spill at a precious metals recovery plan near Baia Mare, Romania wreaked havoc on neighbouring ecosystems, most notably along Hungary's Tisza River.
