Over 700 Residents in Vernashen and Gladzor Communities Went out To Streets to Prevent Access of 'Vayq Metal' LLC to Gladzor Mine Area

Over 700 Residents in Vernashen and Gladzor Communities Went out To Streets to Prevent Access of 'Vayq Metal' LLC to Gladzor Mine Area

EcoLur

Today EcoLur has received an alarm signal over 700 Vernashen and Gladzor community residents in Vayots Dzor Region has gone out to streets to prevent the access of 'Vayq Metal' LLC to Gladzor mine area. Both community heads have joined this protest demonstration. Vernashen Community Head Miqayel Baghdasaryan said in his phone conversation with EcoLur that without their consent 'Vayq Metal' LLC wants to drive heacy machinery into the mine area, which belongs to the community. 'The residents oppose to it, both community heads are against: we expressed it clearly during the public hearings and now we are not going to allow it,' Vernashen community head said. 'Environmental Impact Expert Center' SNCO of Nature Protection Ministry informed us that they haven't issued any opinion from 'Vayq Metal' LLC. 'Gladzor mine EIA report has been submitted for the main stage of environmental impact assessment, but the day of the public hearings hasn't been appointed yet. We haven't issued any opinion and nothing can be done without our opinion, which already will be a violation,''Environmental Impact Expert Center' SNCO of Nature Protection Ministry said. Regional police has also arrived at the scene of the incident. Currently the heavy machinery is standing, the police are checking the documents of the company, while Vernashen community head has given one day to the company to take the heavy machinery out of the community area.

November 17, 2016 at 13:36