**Georgian Manganese’s Troubled Past and Tainted Reputation**
In a move that has left many in shock, Georgian Manganese recently announced the permanent dismissal of protesting workers. The company claimed it was operating at a loss and needed to undergo reorganization. However, an examination of its financial records reveals a different story.
**A History of Tensions and Protests**
The relationship between Georgian Manganese and its workers has been marked by long-standing tensions, strikes, hunger strikes, and protests in Chiatura and Tbilisi. In 2023, workers protested poor conditions and wage disparities, resulting in a 12% inflation-linked wage increase and an agreement to resolve ore quota issues. The situation escalated in early 2025 when the company shut down underground mining operations in Chiatura, leaving 3,500 workers unemployed and unpaid.
**Financial Irregularities**
Georgian Manganese’s claims of operating at a loss are hard to verify due to its failure to submit annual financial balance statements. However, a cursory glance at the company’s operations suggests that the story of losses is grossly exaggerated. The company founded 12 subsidiaries, which it still owns, and most of these were established in 2019-2020 – the period when the company claims to have incurred financial losses. These affiliated companies make solid profits, with some reporting over GEL 50 million in profits.
**The Political Connection**
Something is apparently protecting Georgian Manganese from the law. The company’s CEO has ties to Bidzina Ivanishvili, and the management’s links to the ruling Georgian Dream party are in the open. In recent years, the company’s owners and executives have donated over GEL 1 million to the party.
**The Human Cost**
The permanent dismissal of protesting workers is a devastating blow to the community. The company’s actions will deprive people of their right to work and access to a basic income. It is also destroying and emptying the city, pushing the locals out. If Georgian Manganese and Georgian Dream are working in concert to violently suppress the Chiatura workers, it raises serious questions about the government’s duty to investigate this apparent mismatch.
**The Need for Transparency**
As the situation unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that something is amiss. The government must take a closer look at Georgian Manganese’s financial irregularities and its ties to the ruling party. It is only through transparency and accountability that we can ensure justice for the workers and the community affected by this crisis.
**Read More**
To learn more about this story, please visit: https://civil.ge/archives/682838
