Shakhan Residents Oppose Plans to Resume Coal Mining, Akimat Addresses Concerns

A dispute has broken out in the village of Shakhan in the Qaraganda region over a proposal to restart coal extraction at the site of old, long-closed mines. The Akimat (city administration) responded to Orda.kz regarding local residents’ complaints.

Villagers and elders strongly oppose the idea, arguing that the mines were closed for safety reasons and that reopening them would pose new risks.

The mines here have a serious impact on our health. Almost all the miners are sick. And who knows who those who came to open new mines are. They're just trying to make money from coal, while we live here. The environment is already damaged,
 said one local woman.

Residents have appealed to the government and the president to stop the project.

The Shakhtinsk city administration stated that no work has started yet.

The issue remains under discussion involving officials, members of parliament, the investor, and residents. Meanwhile, the company behind the initiative has revised its plans — instead of an open-pit mine, it now proposes a safer underground mining method.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina