KAMCHATKA ALERT: MINING PROJECTS MIGHT SPELL THE END FOR THE MIGHTY OZERNAYA RIVER Gold vs. Wild Trout and Salmon
It’s a sad day when the world might lose a phenomenal river and a majestic, untamed resource without any opposition, fight or press attention. It is with a heavy heart that we report a scenario on what may be the finest rainbow trout river on the planet.The mighty Ozernaya River is in the firm grips of a mining claim that will possibly ruin this pristine and untouched fishery. It now looks like the 2015 summer season could possibly be the last chance to fish and experience one of the greatest trout streams on earth. If you have ever dreamt about experiencing the mighty Oz (which you should), this is the summer to make it a reality.
The Ozernovskoe Ore Field is located in the Kamchatka region in eastern Russia, 145 km from the nearest town Kluchi and 520 km from the regional centre of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The overall area of the field covers about 100 sq km, and unfortunately includes the Ozernaya watershed.
The JSC Sigma Company holds the license for exploration, mineral extraction and production of gold and supplementary valuable components in the area, valid through July 1, 2030. The license for the Ozernovskoe Ore Field was awarded to JSC Sigma in 2005. Since 2006 the Company has been controlled by prominent investment fund UFG Private Equity. In March 2010 the Company was acquired from UFG by current shareholders, who considered the ore field of being highly promising in terms of containing potential economic gold recourses.
Current shareholders consist of management of the Company and the founders of Ilim Timber Group (who also control a portfolio of companies in Germany, USA, Norway and Russia). “We are incredibly sad to hear the news of mining on the Ozernaya River,” commented Yellow Dog director of operations Jim Klug. “This is arguably the finest rainbow trout river on the planet, home to incredible numbers of huge, aggressive and pristine wild trout.
Obviously this could be a big change to one of the greatest freshwater fisheries in the world.” “We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have experienced this river in its prime,” said Tom Melvin, Yellow Dog’s program director for Alaska and Kamchatka. “We’ll hope for the best, but also understand what a massive mine project along the river means for the future of the fishery.”
There are a number of spaces still available for the 2015 summer season, including openings for our hosted trip scheduled for August 1 – 8, 2015. We can’t say enough good things about this program and fishery, so take advantage what looks to be the last chance EVER to experience the mighty Ozernaya. To learn more, be sure to call the Yellow Dog office at (406) 585-8667.
