GHIZAR: The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) has directed the operator of a placer-gold exploration site at Damas, Ghizar, to strictly follow environmental conditions and avoid any commercial mining activity beyond the approved exploration scope.
Director GB-EPA, accompanied by the Deputy Director, Gilgit Division, conducted a field inspection of the site to assess compliance with the environmental conditions set out in the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for mineral exploration.
During the inspection, the officials reviewed the project camp, exploration area, placer-gold mining site and adjoining riverbank. Particular attention was given to camp management, riverbank protection, solid-waste disposal and activities being carried out under the approved exploration plan.
The Director directed the proponent not to establish additional camps or undertake commercial placer-gold mining or other activities outside the approved exploration scope until a formal mining lease is issued by the competent Mining Department.
The GB-EPA clarified that environmental approval for mineral exploration does not itself authorize commercial mining operations.
Given the site’s proximity to the river and its vulnerability to flooding, the proponent was also directed to take appropriate flood-protection measures and construct a suitable protective structure along the vulnerable riverbank in accordance with technical and environmental requirements.
The agency further ordered proper solid-waste management, camp sanitation, wastewater treatment and overall camp management. The proponent was specifically directed to prevent any dumping or discharge of waste into the river or surrounding land.
The Director warned that failure to comply with the environmental conditions of the NOC could result in legal and regulatory action under the applicable environmental laws.
The GB-EPA noted that the proponent had previously been fined for violating the NOC conditions. The company has since submitted a compliance report along with evidence of payment of the imposed fine.
During the inspection, the proponent assured the GB-EPA team of full compliance with environmental laws, regulations and NOC conditions and committed to implementing the required safeguards.
The GB-EPA reiterated that mineral development in Gilgit-Baltistan must go hand in hand with environmental protection, regulatory compliance and protection of riverine ecosystems and natural resources.
