EcoLur
According to the resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 191-N, adopted on February 22, 2018, soil managers are required to submit a report to the Ministry of Environment, which will include data on the impacts of all natural components of the subsoil.
Out of 23 companies operating a metal mine, only 4 are available on the Ministry of Environment website - quarterly or annual reports ("TEGHUT" CJSC, "CHAARAT KAPAN" CJSC, “LICHQVAZ” CJSC, LIDIAN ARMENIACJSC). EcoLur sent a request to the Ministry of Environment to find out why the main reports were lacking, as well as to find out if they annulled the positive conclusions on EIAs issued to Arjut Gold, Litchq Copper, Lichkvaz-Tey Gold Mines. Secretary of the Ministry of Environment V Jilavyan's reply letter N5 / 07.1 / 52174 dated on 19.08.2019 states:
“The power to conclude subsoil use contracts and to provide legal entities with written notices in accordance with RA Subsoil Code is vested with the authorized body for the use and protection of the soil (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, currently the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure).
The Ministry of Environment has no control authority, so the conclusion of the examination may be revoked after receiving relevant information from the Environmental and Mining Inspection Body, which has not yet been obtained in case of Baktek Eco LLC and Lichkvaz CJSC. The information about Litchq Copper Mine in Syunik Region by “Tatsstone” LLC will be available after conducting inspections."
August 22, 2019 at 23:22