Kyrgyz Republic’s Kumtor Gold Mine began production in 1997. In May 1998, a truck containing twenty tons of highly toxic sodium cyanide used in the gold leaching process crashed into the Barksoon River and spilled 1.7 tons of its cargo into the waterway. What followed is testament to the power of citizen action in a new nation unaccustomed to open and democratic process.
Having gained independence only in 1991, the Kyrgyz Republic did not have a long tradition of citizen action, but the one of the countryís first grassroots public interest group was able to step in and play an important role in shaping the governmentís response to this tragic accident and press for better mining policies to prevent future disasters. Tree of Life Human Development Center was formed by activists hoping to ensure safe and environmentally-sound development of Kumtor and to encourage sustainable forms of development throughout the country. Concerns about the mine, even before the spill, centered on the potential harm that might come to nearby Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes and the Kyrgyz Republic’s main tourist attraction. And, in fact, the site of the spill was upstream from the lake, confirming Tree of Life’s worst fears.
Perhaps falling back on the time-tested Soviet approach, the government first claimed that no serious environmental consequences resulted from the spill, but local accounts were quite to the contrary. According to media reports and Tree of Life investigations, villagers living in the area were evacuated, people were rushed to hospitals with skin rashes and chemical burns, fish and cattle were found dead along the lakeís shore and several people died. Farmers in this important agricultural region lost essential income, as consumers would not buy their produce for fear of contamination, and, according to some sources, more than half of the tourist reservations for the upcoming summer were cancelled.
Citizens and mine workers organized by Tree of Life called for the compensation of all affected parties and demanded that independent environmental and human health evaluations be conducted. The group was instrumental in gaining local and international attention, and it has been able to play a key role holding the mining company to stricter regulations and safety standards.
In the years following the accident, “Tree of Life” has worked to bring attention to dangerous practices at Kumtor and other mines. A public hearing in July 2003 examined ongoing problems in the mining industry, its impact on the environment, issues of transparency and accountability in mining, and ideas for sustainable development in the Kyrgyz Republic. The hearings were attended by residents of affected communities, citizens’ groups, government officials, Kumptor representatives and the media. This was an unprecedented opportunity for Kyrgyz citizens to give voice to their concerns in a public forum, and it led to a government reevaluation of its mining policies.
Tree of Life continues to monitor activities at Kumtor, and a 2002 grant from Global Greengrants Fund supported this effort and a series of public hearings on the mine. As a result of regular meetings with Kumtor officials, the company now releases more information, both voluntarily and by request. The grant also supported the participation of Tree of Life representatives in key meetings of international financial institutions planning to invest in Kyrgyz development projects.
A second grant in August 2004 supported Tree of Life efforts to expand its advocacy mission to two other mines: the Kara-Balta uranium mine and a proposed gold mine at Jerui. Tree of Life is conducting project monitoring, data gathering, interviews with mine officials and financiers, public hearings and advocacy trainings on mine development and finance mechanisms, and a sociological survey of affected populations.
With the help of an increasingly open and democratic government and a constitution that guarantees freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of the press, prospects for Tree of Life’s continued influence seem strong. Its success has inspired the growth of similar organizations addressing other important issues, and this growth is engendering a thriving civil society that further strengthens democracy. Tree of Life provides trainings and other help to these fledgling groups and has organized a network of 22 environmental organizations around the country. Pressure by these groups was likely a key factor in the prime minister’s recent announcement that the Kyrgyz Republic will no longer accept importation of radioactive waste for disposal.
The Kyrgyz Republic’s government has achieved greater political and social stability than the country enjoyed for almost a century. Voter turnout reached 74 percent in the 2001 presidential election – a powerful demonstration that the Kyrgyz people have embraced their right to self-determination. But the country faces challenges in its pursuit of economic growth. It is land-locked and predominately mountainous, with only about 7 percent of its land suitable for agriculture. Although gross domestic product shows steady growth (5.7 percent in 2004), most people live below the poverty line. Mining will continue to be an attractive option, but the efforts of Tree for Life and other groups can help the country strike a balance and strive for economic growth that does not sacrifice environmental health.