We wish to respond to the numerous unverified, one-sided, and unfounded allegations regarding the company’s activities aired during the Ghia Sivrtse (Open Space) programme broadcast on the Formula TV. We believe that discussions concerning issues of such significance require a high degree of responsibility, objectivity, and fact-based discussion, as these matters affect not only thousands of employees and their families, but also the broader economic and social development of the region and the country as a whole.
For decades, RMG Group has been one of Georgia’s leading industrial enterprises, making a substantial contribution to the national economy through exports, investment, tax revenues and employment. RMG Group employs approximately 4,500 people, around 90% of whom are local residents. In many cases, several generations of the same families have worked at RMG, showcasing that the company is associated with safety, stability, professional development, and success.
We would like to provide the public with accurate and comprehensive clarification regarding the false allegations made against us, in order to ensure that an objective and factual understanding of the matter is established.
Regarding Activities in the Darbazi Valley
One of the companies within the RMG Group, LTD Caucasian Mining Group is currently conducting geological exploration activities in the Darbazi Valley area. The works are being carried out in full compliance with the Georgian legislation, under License Order No. 430 (License No. 10002889) issued by the LEPL National Agency of Mineral Resources. The company also holds a special forest use permit for the aforementioned territory issued by the LEPL National Forestry Agency.
We would like to emphasize, that at this stage, the work is exclusively exploratory in nature and includes activities such as trenching and drilling of boreholes. Due to the nature of such activities, exploratory works typically take approximately two to three years. Therefore, the commencement of mineral extraction operations is not being considered in the near future.
At the further stage, the mineral extractor company is subject to a comprehensive and long-term Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. This process includes public discussions, as well as detailed engagement with the elected representatives of village in order to provide them with full information. In practice, these procedures are typically followed by the signing of long-term memoranda of understanding with local villages, covering ecological safety issues, as well as social and economic support initiatives.
The community of Darbazi Valley must acknowledge that such discussions become relevant only after the exploration phase has been completed, and prior to any potential extraction activities. The organisation “Salam,” referenced in the TV programme, participated in similar process in the village of Mushevani and therefore they can confirm, that the company first obtained consent of the village community, and that the extraction works were commenced only after the consent.
To reiterate once again, the current activities in the Darbazi Valley relate solely to the initial exploration phase, of which the relevant local authorities have been duly informed. Exploration stage, as it has been already mentioned above, represent an investment phase that may ultimately conclude without further development if identified ore volumes are not economically viable for the company.
The potential environmental impact associated with exploration activities is limited and primarily related to drilling operations. For this reason, Georgian legislation does not require public hearings during this phase. In similar cases, the company remains committed to fully rehabilitate and restore any areas temporarily used during drilling works.
We believe that protest among the members of the local population derive largely from incomplete or inaccurate information regarding the exploration process. Therefore, we remain fully open to engage comprehensively with residents of the Darbazi Valley and their representatives to explain the ongoing activities and any potential future developments.
Licence Area
We would also like to address that claims concerning the company’s licence area has been presented in a misleading way during the broadcast. In 2011, LTD Caucasian Mining Group acquired a mineral exploration and extraction licence covering 187,823.59 hectares for 93.5 million GEL. However, it is important to note that the major part of this area, approximately 178,463 hectares have already undergone geological assessment and have subsequently been returned to the state. Following reserve confirmation procedures, the remaining licensed territory sums up to 9,360 hectares. Therefore, claims suggesting that future mining activities will extend across vast areas of Kvemo Kartli, result to misleading local communities. Exploration activities are a standard legal requirement – company is obligated to assess licensed territories and return areas where reserves are insufficient for economically viable extraction, to the state. In locations where reserves are confirmed, any subsequent project development may proceed only after all legally required procedures — including Environmental Impact Assessments and public consultations — have been completed; processes, where local communities are fully informed and personally involved.
Health and Research
We consider it particularly grave and irresponsible to discuss public health using terminology such as “ecocide”, spread during the broadcast.
Mining operations have existed in the region for more than 50 years and to date, no study has established a direct causal link between diseases among the local population and the company’s operations. Furthermore, over the past five years, RMG has been conducting annual comprehensive occupational health screenings for employees and these examinations have not identified any occupational illnesses directly attributable to the company’s production processes. Accordingly, claims made during the programme regarding deteriorating public health conditions allegedly caused by the company are entirely unsubstantiated and accusing the company of all these matters is an irresponsible act aimed at discrediting the company.
It is also important to reference the findings of the National Centre for Disease Control titled “Environmental Health Risk Assessment in the Bolnisi-Dmanisi Region” within 2020–2025:
“Environmental pollution with heavy metals has decreased compared to previous years. An approximately 2.3-fold reduction in average lead distribution in the Kvemo Kartli region and identification of low and statistically reliable relative risks for individual nosologies is likely attributable to measures implemented in the region over the last five years, including – public awareness campaigns regarding lead prevention activities, implementation of the State Programme for the Surveillance of Lead in Children (2019–2022), comprehensive technical modernisation of the enterprise, and the implementation of environmental protection measures.”
Nevertheless, RMG remains fully open and ready to support and finance any additional, objective, and professional research, as we firmly believe that such issues must be addressed on the basis of science and evidence, and not speculation or emotionally charged narratives intended to intimidate the public.
The Company’s Environmental Programme
Between 2018 and 2021, the RMG Group implemented a large-scale environmental programme with audited investments exceeding 40 million GEL. As part of this programme, the company introduced modern water treatment systems, installed advanced dust-capturing technologies, and carries on extensive land reclamation and environmental rehabilitation initiatives, while environmental monitoring is conducted on an ongoing basis with the involvement of the company, relevant state institutions, non-governmental organisations, and parliamentary bodies. This is a constant process and includes systematic monitoring of air, water, and soil quality, alongside the implementation of various mitigation measures.
RMG and its Importance
Today, RMG remains a strategically important enterprise within the Georgian economy. Dozens of Georgian businesses, suppliers, and local entrepreneurs directly depend on company’s successful operation. RMG contributes substantial revenues annually to both central and municipal budgets, supporting numerous social, educational, cultural, and infrastructure projects throughout the region. One notable example is the company’s support for Bolnisi winemaking, which has significantly contributed to the development of the region as one of the leading centres of modern Georgian wine production.
For these reasons, we believe that issues of such importance should be discussed responsibly, fact-based, and in consideration of the national interest — not through unverified allegations or attempts to mislead the public.
RMG Group represents a modern, responsible and sustainability-oriented organization, which through its high professionalism and the commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, continues to meaningfully contribute to Georgia’s economic and social progress.