The proposed mining project at Kyrktytau, located in Bashkortostan, Russia, has ignited a debate over its environmental impact, with activists warning that the project could harm ecosystems as far away as Kazakhstan. The area is known for its fragile biodiversity, and the extraction of copper could disrupt local water systems and soil quality, posing a threat to wildlife and plant life.
Environmentalists are particularly concerned about the potential for water contamination due to the mining process, which could affect both local communities and distant regions through transboundary water flows. The project’s copper, which may be shipped to the EU, raises additional concerns about the environmental and health impacts of transporting and processing the mineral. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and environmental assessments to mitigate the risks associated with the project.