Azerbaijan – Ministry of Environment serves Garadagh Cement with summons

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is suing Garadagh Cement over the use of the Garadagh clay quarries and the Tovuz truss quarry, which the Ministry has banned the use of.

'Not only does Garadagh Cement shows disrespect the national laws, but it also continues damaging the environment. The joint stock company made quarry deals with the municipalities even though the municipalities are not prohibited to exploit the mineral resources and enter into such agreements by the law. Although the quarrying is not licensed, Garadagh Cement has no right to work in the quarries. Anywhere in the world, a company must enter into a relevant agreement with the appropriate governing body and obtain a special permit. Rather than put the things to rights, Garadagh Cement argues that these rules do not apply to it', says Minister for Environment and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Hussein Baghirov.