DUSHANBE, March 2, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- The research institute, GIZO, at the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI) of Tajikistan has reportedly conducted a survey to study Tajik aluminum smelter’s impact on the country’s environment.

The MoEI press center reports that researchers have studied fluoride content in plants, soil, water and food for animals in the zone of influence of the smelter.

“The survey findings show the real picture of impact of the enterprise on the environment,” the source said, noting that the survey findings could be used by the Tajik-Uzbek intergovernmental commission for assessment of Tajik aluminum plant’s impact on the regional environment.  

We will recall that the Uzbek Environmental Movement, which has 15 seats in the Uzbek parliament, said in March 2010 that it has calculated the environmental damage from the Tajik aluminum smelter to Uzbekistan''s Surkhondaryo region on the basis of research by Uzbek scientists.  It claimed the Tajik aluminum plant is responsible for some $228 million in damage to four districts in the region.

Meanwhile, the Tajik Aluminum Company (TALCO), which operates the aluminum plant, has denied that statement as unfounded. TALCO top managers noted that they paid proper attention to investment in environment-friendly technology and implementation of environmental projects.