An investigation by RFE/RL found that Chinese companies' gold extraction at the Zarafshon mine in Tajikistan severely pollutes the air, water and soil, as well as has negative impacts on local agriculture and residents' health. Locals who attempted to complain to local authorities about the pollution were instead taken to the police and asked to stop criticizing the Chinese company operating the mine.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Zijin Mining, the Tajik-China Mining Company, and China Nonferrous Gold to respond. Only Zijin Mining provided a response. All responses and non-responses can be found below.