Chelopech gold and copper mine Bulgaria - EBRD AGM Issue Paper

After visiting Chelopech TMF in October 2008, members of the Petition Committee of the European Parliament report an 'immediate threat to public health, water, soil and agricultural production, and the climate conditions in the region' posed by the Mining project. Their report recommends further investigations by EC and Bulgarian Government and calls for implementation of EU environmental law and basic rights and principles.

Meanwhile, Chelopech Mining did not follow best practice regarding public information and consultation in its Environmental Impact Assessment (approved in 2008) and the application procedure for a complex Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control. The EBRDs decision to extend financing for the project remains highly problematic as the bank holds its annual meeting in London.