An international mining company is preparing to expand the existing gold mine, which is located right in the center of town. Recent exploration has identified more than $2.8 billion USD worth of gold ore in and around the existing mines in Baley.
There is a major environmental health problem in Baley. These concerns have focused on widespread indoor radiation associated with the use of thorium tailings in home construction, and air and water quality problems resulting from the unreclaimed Soviet-era gold and thorium pits and waste piles.
A particularly alarming example of distress is the fact that 95% of the children in affected areas have been diagnosed with one or another chronic or inborn disease or handicap.