Azerbaijani rep, Russian peacekeepers' commander discuss illegal mineral extraction in Karabakh

An Azerbaijani delegation and the Russian peacekeepers’ commander have discussed the illegal mining of Karabakh’s mineral deposits, as well as its environmental and other consequences.

The discussion took place in Azerbaijan’s Khojaly District on December 7.

The Azerbaijani delegation included the officials from the economy, ecology and natural resources ministries, as well as the State Committee on Property Issues and AzerGold mining company, Caliber.Az reports, citing the joint statement issued by the ministries.

According to the statement, the Monitoring Group, which will investigate the illegal exploitation of natural resources, will continue its contacts with Russian peacekeepers.

During the meeting in Khojaly, the issues of inspection of mineral deposits, particularly the Gizilbulag gold mine and Damirli copper-molybdenum deposit, prevention of illegal exploitation, monitoring and inventory on various directions, organization of cadastre registration of property, assessment of potential damage and risks to the environment, sources of underground and surface water, as well as the elimination of consequences of the damage were discussed, the joint statement reads.

The meeting was held in a constructive spirit. Contacts on these issues will continue. More details will be announced to the public further.