On May 16, Vayk Aldermen’s Council gave preliminary approval for the construction of an ore/concentrate processing plant in the administrative territory of Zaritap village, to be developed by GMN Gold Mining LLC. The decision was based on the protocol from the first round of public hearings held on May 13, which took place under tense conditions, including clashes among participants.
The Council also decided to revisit the issue during its next regular session.
In parallel with the council’s positive decision, 45 residents from Vayots Dzor submitted a letter of opposition to the Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan, Vayots Dzor Regional Governor Kolya Mikaelyan, Vayk Mayor Mkhitar Matevoyan, and Aldermen’s Council members. The signatories oppose the construction of the processing plant by GMN Gold Mining LLC in the Zaritap village area.
In their letter, the residents highlight serious concerns:
“The proposed plant and tailings facility pose significant risks to Vayots Dzor.”
Cited risks include:
- The entire Vayk consolidated community lies atop the Vedi-Vayk uranium ore zone. Any mining activity in the area could lead to increased radioactive exposure, and environmental contamination from arsenic, sulfur, quartz dust, silica, heavy metals, and other toxic substances.
- Long-term contamination of the region’s land.
- The management of mine tailings and waste rock for hundreds of years requires substantial financial resources. Historically, mining companies and the government have failed to ensure proper long-term oversight.
- Potential threats to the purity of the Arpa and Yeghegis Rivers, and contamination of lands irrigated with their waters.
- Loss of vegetation and wildlife.
- Decline in the quality of life for local residents.
- Decreases in agricultural, viticultural, winemaking, and livestock productivity and quality.
- Reduced household incomes, worsening of social conditions, emigration, and depopulation of rural settlements.
- The planned plant and tailings facility are not protected from natural disasters, sabotage, or ongoing regional conflicts.
The letter concludes:
“Given these risks, we — the residents of the consolidated communities of Yeghegnadzor, Areni, and Yeghegis — strongly oppose the construction of any ore and/or concentrate processing/extraction facility in Vayk consolidated community’s Zaritap village or anywhere in Vayots Dzor Region by GMN Gold Mining LLC.”
May 22, 2025 at 17:59