Support the Miners’ Struggle in Chiatura

We are raising funds in solidarity and support of the ongoing struggle of miners in Chiatura, Georgia.

Chiatura is a beautiful historic mining town in Georgia that urgently needs your support and solidarity. Founded in the 19th century around its rich manganese deposits, Chiatura has long been an industrial hub and a vital part of the country's economy. For many decades Chiatura and its surrounding villages have been subjected to severe exploitation of both its labour and its nature. In addition to the ecological degradation as a result of intensive mining, the town is currently on the brink of economic collapse.

In November 2024, the company that holds a monopoly on manganese mining in Chiatura, first announced the closure of its underground mines, and later – collective redundancies. It has refused to pay the promised compensation to its employees, leaving 3,600 miners and their families without financial support for over three months. The manganese mines are the primary employer in Chiatura, which has a population of about 12,000 (or 30,000 if including surrounding villages), and they play a crucial role in the town's economy. As a result, Chiatura indulged into an economic crisis.

Protest and resistance in Chiatura continue up to this day (over 60 days of continuous organized protest) – opposing the company's actions, fighting for better labour conditions and ecology, and demanding state intervention. This is the first time that a miners' protest in Chiatura has led to arrests. Recently, police entered the mine and arrested four people, including the protest leaders, who now face prison sentences ranging from 3 to 9 years. In order to continue the struggle and save Chiatura from economic and ecological disaster, the miners urgently need your solidarity and support.

We would like to address to Georgian students and professionals living abroad, as well as international researchers of Georgia and the South Caucasus region. We also address to those who have visited Georgia at least once, and developed a love for the country and its people. Your contribution will be directly used to cover the expenses related to legal disputes, such as court fees, lawyers' fees, and preparation of legal documents.

In case you are unable to donate, please consider spreading the word about the ongoing crisis in Chiatura, sharing information with your international friends and colleagues, and asking them to support the cause. We are ready to provide you with all the necessary information.

Thank you for standing with us.