Ministry estimates cost of solving pollution of Slana River at over €6.2 million

The Environment Ministry estimates the cost of solving the pollution of the Slana River at more than €6.2 million, TASR has learnt from the ministry's press department.
The estimated costs of the project include concrete grouting of the Nizna Slana mine and the subsequent suction of contaminated sediments from the river bed.
The Environment Ministry stated that the above sum has been calculated as the gross estimated costs intended for organisations falling under the Environment, Health and Economy Ministries. It also noted that the draft government resolution concerning reimbursement of expenses related to rescue work during the state of emergency declared on the Slana River and adoption of further measures enabling the lifting of the state of emergency was submitted to the Government Office in early March. "It might be submitted to the Cabinet session as soon as this week, or in upcoming weeks," added the ministry.
The state wants to solve the situation with the pollution of the Slana River by concrete grouting of the Nizna Slana mine, which will allow long-term regulation of the flow of mineralised mine waters into the river.
The Slana River has been discoloured with a reddish hue since mid-February 2022 due to underground water leaking from an iron ore mine located on the site of former mining company Siderit. Preliminary analysis of the water detected a sharp increase in iron, manganese and sulphates and the presence of arsenic. The Government has declared a state of emergency in Roznava, Revuca and Rimavska Sobota districts regarding the Slana River. (TASR)