EcoLur
The Office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) is conducting an independent investigation on Amulsar gold mining project in Armenia. As the press release of the CAO says, “An initial assessment is underway with the cooperation of all the parties involved and CAO’s role will be to help explore options for resolution of the complaint.”
The complaint was filed by two residents of the Gndevaz and Jermuk villages with support from local NGOs.
The complainants highlight concerns about project impacts on the local water basins' quality, red-listed species and a local tourism center. Other issues raised include criticisms of the EIA conducted and alleged violations of IFC’s Performance Standards and national regulations.
The press release also says that according to IFC, the project is at an advanced feasibility stage, subject to completion of a bankable feasibility study, and environmental and social impact studies. Subject to obtaining all outstanding permits, the project is expected to move into the development and construction stage, targeting first gold production in 2016. IFC is a 7.9% shareholder and has invested over $16 million in stages since 2007….
The CAO experts are in Armenia since 21 May. Find details about their meeting with EcoLur in our next publications.
June 03, 2014 at 18:13