The Karaguzhikha River in the East Kazakhstan Region has turned orange due to mine water from the former Yubileyno-Snegirikhinsky mine of Vostoktsvetmet LLP, where violations were found, reports infohub.kz.
The Department of Ecology conducted an inspection on July 31 after the river changed color. Specialists established that mine water from the mine site surfaces, accumulates, and flows into a stream that feeds the Karaguzhikha.
"The inspection revealed improper organization of mine closure works, resulting in numerous discharges of mine water seeping to the surface from underground," the statement said.
The inflow of these waters into the river has altered its parameters. "These violations led to the river turning orange, deterioration of its quality and chemical indicators, and disruption of the natural hydrochemical regime of the water body," the department added.
Ecologists also pointed to the risk of further spread of pollutants downstream. According to the inspection results, this worsens the environment and causes significant ecological damage.
Moreover, the pollution affected not only water. Specialists found that substances in the mine water penetrated the soil. "Pollutants contained in the mine water have penetrated the soil cover, changing its chemical composition," the statement said.