EcoLur
Nature Protection Minister Aram Harutyunyan demanded to carry out additional studies on Amoulsar opencast mine as a result of the public hearings held on 18 April. “Lydian International” LLC Executive Director Tim Caughlin, the employees of “Lydian” company subsidiary, “Geoteam” Company, local community representatives took part in the discussion.
Cyanic Production
On 12 March of this year Lydian Company (http://www.lydianinternational.co.uk/press-releases/2012-03-12/lydian-receives-environmental-approval-for-processing-at-amulsar-using-heap-leach-technology) circulated a press release, which says the company has received the approval from the Ministry to use cyanic technologies, as a part of approval for Amoulsar project. In reply to EcoLur’s question, whether the Ministry had really approved the EIA on cyanogen, Nature Protection Minister of Armenia Aram Harutyunyan gave a negative answer: “I don’t agree in any way to have a cyanic production next to Spandaryan water reservoir that may generate situational problems.” Nevertheless, an environmental expert (anonymous) noted, “The program passed through our department and was approved in 2011. Just it is now presented as a project. The project itself hasn’t undergone all the procedure yet, the expertise of the proposed activities is planned. But now it is in process…” The Minister said, “The EIA hasn’t been approved.” First Deputy Minister Simon Papyan asked, “When will the project of ore processing be submitted?” and Geoteam Director Hayk Aloyan said, “Unless we get the results of recent studies.” Minister, “But if you get the permit for development, but you won’t get the permit for factory? Isn’t it expedient for you to submit all together?” Hayk Aloyan answered, “No.” Simon Papyan, “Will you start developing the mine without the approval of the ore processing production?” Tim Coughlin, “Under Armenian legislation, the first permit is issued for opencast development and barren rocks. Meanwhile it’s necessary to get the permit for mining disposal. In-detailed project costs US $ 6 million. Naturally we won’t make any investments unless we know all the permits are issued.” Hayk Aloyan, “The Ministry of Nature protection has already issued such a permit.”
We couldn’t understand after all what was approved in 2011, if Amoulsar project was presented without the part for cyanic production at the public discussions held on 12 and 30 March. Who is right? Minister who insists no EIA opinion has been issued on the cyanic production or Lydian Company with the expert who insist that certain permit has been issued? These questions have already been addressed to Nature Protection Ministry earlier (EcoLur’s enquiry in writing on 21.03.2012). In reply, we received letter nb. 5/33/50838 dated on 3 April 2012 signed by Ministry Staff Head Edgar Pirumyan, which says, “See the Ministry website, www.mnp.am.”
Amoulsar Project and Lake Sevan. Under Nature Protection Minister Aram Harutyunyan’s assignment, Amoulsar project must be sent for the consideration of the Committee of Lake Sevan Issues. According to First Deputy Minister Simon Papyan, “the territory of the mine lies on the land area between arpa and Vorotan Rivers, which is in the impact zone of Lake Sevan.”
April 23, 2012 at 16:09