Kashagan operator must pay environmental fine of $4.8 bln by July 20 - Kazakh Justice Ministry

ASTANA. July 14 (Interfax) - The consortium North Caspian Operating Company, the operator of the Kashagan field, must pay an environmental fine of 2.3 trillion tenge ($4.8 billion at the current exchange rate) by July 20, Kazakh Deputy Justice Minister Daniel Vaisov said.

"In the dispute with the Kashagan shareholders, there was a disagreement over the environment. In Kazakhstan's jurisdiction, the court decision on payment of the fine has entered into force. Foreign companies [the consortium] currently have obligations to pay 2.3 trillion tenge. If the fine is not paid by July 20, then Kazakhstan will carry out its further actions in accordance with the law, including within the framework of the law on enforcement proceedings," Vaisov said at a briefing at the Central Communications Service on Tuesday in Astana.

"Enforcement proceedings will be initiated, and forced collection measures will be applied," he said.