Ecological Crisis and Systemic Corruption: An Independent Investigation into Illegal Gold Mining in the Altai Republic #AltaiMountains #ЭкологияАлтая #АлтайНеПродается #AltaiEcoCrisis #IndigenousRights #StopIllegalMining #MercuryPollution #EnvironmentalJustice #алтай #коррупция_в_россии #криминал #турчак #экология #нарушения #добыча_золота #altay #corruption_in_russia #ecology #иркит

Ecological Crisis and Systemic Corruption: An Independent Investigation into Illegal Gold Mining in the Altai Republic

Автор: Д.Н.Иркитов 31. 01.2026 год. Расследование алтайских активистов (имена скрыты в целях безопасности) в республике Алтай по незаконной добычи золота и загрязнению экологии. 

#алтай #коррупция_в_россии #криминал #турчак #экология #нарушения #добыча_золота #altay #corruption_in_russia #ecology #иркит #MercuryPollution #EnvironmentalJustice #IndigenousRights #AltaiMountains  #ЭкологияАлтая #АлтайНеПродается

The Altai Republic is often associated not only with its natural beauty but also with persistent environmental violations and the illicit activities of private companies.

First, I would like to draw your attention to gold mining and mercury contamination. According to my sources, gold extraction in the region frequently bypasses environmental regulations. Specifically, the amalgamation method is still in use. While this method effectively extracts gold from the soil, it releases toxic mercury compounds that accumulate in river sediments, topsoil, local fish, and drinking water. Prolonged exposure to mercury leads to severe immune disorders, systemic inflammation, and kidney damage.

The statistical consequences are alarming. In 2024–2025, the Altai Republic has consistently ranked among the top regions for cancer incidence, averaging over 530 cases per 100,000 people. This health crisis is reflected in the region's demographics: as of early 2025, the population is estimated at 210,700—a significant decline from approximately 221,000 in early 2021. We are witnessing a clear downward trend in the region's population that cannot be ignored.

Water contamination levels in the Republic currently exceed permissible limits by 3.3 to 4.6 times. The most critical situation is observed in areas of active subsoil operations.

In the Turochaksky District, gold mining activities on the Siya and Andoba rivers lead to regular environmental violations. The primary issues in the Siya, Andoba, and Lebed rivers are extreme turbidity and concentrations of iron, copper, and zinc that far exceed safety standards. Suspended particles generated during gold washing act as carriers, concentrating mercury and copper and transporting them dozens of kilometers downstream.

Another high-risk location is Aktash. This area houses a former mercury mine that remains a major environmental hazard. Mercury salt levels in the local soil and water consistently exceed the norm. To this day, the Yarly-Amry and Chibitka rivers remain the most contaminated sites in the vicinity of the Aktash deposit.

Back in 2019, I submitted a formal inquiry to deputies requesting a probe into gold mining operations, yet my concerns were ignored. Local Altai activists have already documented severe land degradation caused by the massive removal of topsoil during open-pit mining.

The regional industry is dominated by the Vesely Mine (Seyka village), which accounts for approximately 80% of total gold production. Other key players in the Turochaksky District include:

Gorizont LLC: Previously held liable for environmental violations, though they faced only symbolic fines.

Andoba LLC (based in Maysk) and Resurs LLC: In 2025, the Prosecutor’s Office identified breaches of license conditions and environmental laws. Despite this, operations continued. Notably, in January 2026, a court assessed environmental damages in the Altai Republic at 211 million rubles.

According to 2026 registries, Andoba LLC is owned by Sergey Vasilyevich Koshterek and managed by CEO Vladislav Evgenyevich Mansky. Mr. Mansky is also linked to other commercial entities, such as the Baltic Polymer Plant and Invest. Meanwhile, Zolotoy Resurs LLC, owned by Igor Alexandrovich Kulakov, significantly expanded its influence in August 2024 by acquiring the region's largest enterprise—the aforementioned Vesely Mine. 

It is crucial to note the direct link between gold mining companies and the legislative body. These are not merely rumors, but subjects of official discussions and prosecutorial investigations. A prime example of this 'revolving door' between business and politics is the Artel 'Solnechnaya' company. Previously, its co-founders included JSC 'Nadezhnoye', headed by Roman Kazakov, who served as a deputy (LDPR party) at the time. This confirms the practice of politicians participating in the extraction industry through affiliated structures. While some members of the State Assembly (El Kurultai) vocally oppose alluvial gold mining and call for bans in certain districts due to catastrophic river damage, their rhetoric remains empty—no real legislative steps have been taken. Business interests are frequently lobbied at the municipal level. A notable case involved the former head of a rural settlement near Lake Teletskoye, who illegally transferred 26 hectares of land to private entities. The political influence of these corporations over local authorities manifests in the aggressive lobbying for licenses and a systematic disregard for regulatory orders. This 'political umbrella' allows companies to operate with violations for years, treating minimal fines as a mere cost of doing business. 

The loss of control over regional resources — specifically regarding Article 4 of the Altai Constitution — has stripped the Republic of its power to block gold mining on its own territory. Licenses are now issued in Moscow. Originally, the subsoil, forests, and water bodies were declared the 'heritage and property of the people of the Altai Republic.' However, following Putin's constitutional amendments, these natural resources were transferred to the sole ownership of the Russian Federation. This shift effectively handed control over major gold deposits and timber funds to federal agencies, such as Rosnedra and Rosleskhoz.This centralized shift created a 'legal loophole' for criminal exploitation, allowing licenses to be granted to companies like 'Andoba' in total defiance of local public opinion and the interests of the community.