Ministry of Environment: Nebras Petrochemical Project has been cleared of mines

Baghdad - INA

The Department of Mine Affairs in the Ministry of Environment confirmed today, Saturday, that the mine-contaminated areas in Basra are far from populated areas and are limited to its borders, while announcing the clearing of the land of the Nebras Petrochemical Project.

The director of the department’s media, Mustafa Hamid, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Basra Governorate is the economic capital of Iraq, and it has many economic and development projects. Therefore, the statements of the High Commission for Human Rights in Basra indicate the possibility that Basra will be unfit for living during the coming years due to pollution are inaccurate statements.".

He added, "The Department of Mines completed a short while ago clearing the land of the Nibras project, which amounts to about 4,500 dunams, which is the largest project of its kind in the Middle East. 
There are also many organizations and companies in the field of mine clearance working in Basra Governorate, in addition to the national effort."

He pointed out, "There are polluted areas on the border lines that are far from populated areas," stressing, "Our department is clearing these areas for investment and development purposes."

Regarding the work of clearing mines at gas field sites, he explained that “Ministerial Order Committee 232, formed by the Ministries of Defence, Oil and Environment, represented by the Mine Affairs Department, is tasked with finding urgent solutions to any conflicts that may obstruct the paths of oil projects and all energy projects.”