Radioactive Elements To Be Searched for in Tavush Together with Gold

Radioactive Elements To Be Searched for in Tavush Together with Gold

'AU Group' LLC intends to search for gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead and to estimate their reserves in gold-polymetallic minefields in Tavush Region. Mass search for radioactive elements is planned: the public hearings of this project will be held on 27 February in Vazashen Municipality in Tavush Region.

The minefield section is located in the lower basin of the Aghstev River in the administrative area of Vazashen Community. According to the project, the geological prospecting drillings will be carried out in forest-free areas. The project excludes the felling of trees and bushes, as well as the pollution of water. In case the reserves are confirmed, the mining will be carried out in an underground manner excluding tree felling.

Three felling platforms will be constructed for examination purposes with a total area of 1370 sq.m. Vazashen Community Head Lorik Badiryan informed EcoLur that so far 'Polymet Corporation Armenian-Canadian JI' LLC had received a permit to carry out gold exploration works, but they damaged the forest.

Still in 2018, 'AU Group' LLC carried out public discussions in Vazashen and received the initial agreement of the community. Nevertheless, 'Environmental Impact Expert Assessment' SNCO of RA Nature Protection Ministry informed EcoLur that they don't have a document on the negative opinion issued to this company.

According to the electronic register of the Armenian Government, 'AU Group' LLC was registered in December 2017 by Canadian citizen Vahagn Zhayrents Gayayan.

Photo: www.aniarc.am

This article is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

February 20, 2019 at 17:03