The region hardest hit is Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic in north-west Uzbekistan. Infant mortality in the region has reached 110 deaths for every 1000 births, one of the highest in he world. Almost 80 percent of women in the area suffer from anaemia. Losses in the agricultural and fishery sectors caused by the environmental damage are estimated at over $600 million annually.
The government's interests in the Barskoon incident are clear. Kumtor is a joint-venture between the Kyrgyz government and the Canadian gold mining company Cameco Corporation, with the government holding a two-thirds interest of the venture. Thus, it is understandable why the government has consistently sought to minimize the hazards associated with the spill.
