Chiatura miner warns of escalating pressure as protest continues

A miner from the western Georgian town of Chiatura has warned that workers were being pressured to double their output as open-pit mining becomes increasingly automated and unregulated, amid an ongoing protest in the country’s key manganese-producing region.

“In a few months, the work process will be stopped, and those who are employed in mines or various enterprises are being asked to at least double the work process,” said Tariel Mikatsadze, a local miner, speaking to Georgian media.

According to Mikatsadze, traditional underground mining is being phased out in favour of large-scale open-pit extraction, which requires minimal manpower and oversight. “Open-pit mining is being turned green everywhere and in every way - that is, an excavator and a truck. They don’t need anything else. There is no one left to control them - how much they should extract during the year, wash and deliver,” he said.

The remarks come as a protest by Chiatura miners continues. Seven miners are currently on hunger strike, and three have sewn their mouths shut in an act of defiance. The demonstrators are demanding the release of four miners who were recently detained.