In the Ulytau region, individuals engaged in illegal mining and processing of manganese ore have been detained. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the Financial Monitoring Agency, the suspects pretended to carry out reclamation work on a spent quarry. However, a full-fledged mining and processing complex was launched on site, using heavy quarry equipment and crushing and washing facilities.
The agency noted that the mined ore was processed into commercial concentrate and sent by rail for export to neighboring countries. To systematically load and ship raw materials, the suspects rented a railway dead end.
According to the investigation, the volume of sold products exceeded 23 thousand tons, and its value was more than 1 billion tenge. As a result of illegal actions, damage was caused to the environment. The cost of restoring damaged lands exceeds 150 million tenge.