This article from Civil.ge discusses the struggles of miners in Tkibuli, Georgia, and the challenges they face due to the actions of Georgian Manganese. Here are the main points:
1. **Suspension of production**: In November 2024, Georgian Manganese suspended production at the Shukruti mine due to losses and picketing by workers.
2. **Broken promises**: Despite promises to resume production in March 2025 and pay workers 60% of their salary until then, the company did not follow through with these commitments.
3. **Protests and arrests**: Protesting miners were arrested on allegations of assaulting a director, Tengiz Koberidze, but many believe this is an attempt to intimidate them into silence.
4. **New management**: Mikhail Sotsky, a Russian citizen, took over management in April 2025, promising a “reorganization” and revised salary system, which some workers rejected as too risky.
5. **Compensation controversy**: The company announced that those who declined the proposal would be considered laid off, but promised to provide compensation, which has not been paid.
6. **Industry shutdown**: Georgian Manganese plans to shut down underground mining altogether, citing it is “unprofitable,” putting a large segment of the town’s population at risk of losing their livelihood.
The article highlights the ongoing struggles of miners in Tkibuli and the need for fair labor conditions and job security.
