Lichqvaz-Tey and Terterasar gold deposits (2010)
Lichqvaz-Tey and Terterasar gold deposits
Risk Level: 3
| Parameter | Data | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cu, mg/kg soil | 4128 | 3 |
| As, mg/kg, soil | 31469 | 3 |
| Pb, mg/kg soil | 5150 | 3 |
| Zn, mg/kg soil | 8105 | 3 |
| Disastrous Condition | Critical Condition | Normal Condition |
Litchqvaz-Tey and Terterasar old Mines Casuing Environmental Disaster
EcoLur
As of 1 January 2010, the total reserves of Litchqvaz-Tey and Terterasar gold mines make up as follows: ore – 3754.6 tons, copper – 15.499 tons , gold – 20947.59 kg, silver – 135.1 tons, selenium - 19.2769 tons, tellurium – 31.734 tons, bismuth - 1434.548 tons, cadmium – 823.47 tons, arsenic – 11815.62 tons, lead – 19336.6 tons, zinc – 30431.5 tons, gallium – 22.035 kg.
Litchqvaz-Tey gold mine is located in Meghri area, Syunik Region, in a distance of 10-12 km north-south-west from Meghri settlement, in the system of Meghri complex structure of intrusive ores. Terterasar gold mine is in immediate neighborhood of Litchqvaz-Tey gold mine, it accounts for its immediate continuation and has the same geological and mining structure.
These data are taken from the book by Hrachya Avagyan, Chief Specialist at the Institute of Economics of NAS RA, Dr in Geological Sciences, entitled “Ways and Prospects of Mining and Metallurgical Industries in the Republic of Armenia” (Yerevan 2011, “Gitutyun” Publishing House, Institute of Economics of NAS RA).
Under EcoLur’s Ecological Risk Model, the mines hazard category is 3, i.e. they cause disastrous condition to human health and environment due to the excessive concentrations of copper, lead, arsenic and zinc.
Under the official information provided by Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, as of 01.07.2013 the right to soil management of Litchqvaz-Tey and Terterasar gold mines for mining has been issued to “Sagamar” CJSC.