"Kara-Mining" LLC plans to carry out geological prospecting in 2021-2023 in Eastern and Western sections of Qaraberd gold mine in Lori Region. The company has submitted a Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application to the Ministry of Environment. The second public discussion on the application is planned to be held on September 8, 2021 at 12:00 in the administrative building of Qaraberd Community, Lori Region.
Qaraberd mine field and mine are located 4.5 km northeast of Vanadzor, on the southern slope of the Bazum mountain range, on the left bank of the Pambak River. Qaraberd mine is adjacent (10-20 km) to Pambak and Caucasian Myrtle State Reserve, Margahovit and Gyulagarak Pine State Reserve on the slopes of the Tsaghkunyats Range, as well as Dilijan National Park.
Under the project, the geological exploration area covers an area of 203 hectares. It is planned to carry out long-term excavations in the eastern western parts of the central part of the mine, to carry out additional exploration works, based on the results of which the geological-economic assessment of the eastern-western parts of Qaraberd gold mine will be calculated.
Under the project, during the geological study of the requested site, man-made pressures will be exerted on the atmospheric air, soil cover, flora and fauna, as well as landscape integrity. Areas disturbed by exploratory excavations are plantless, unusable areas - pastures. After the completion of the geoprospecting, the company will recultivate the area, the total area of which will be about 1200 sq.m.
At the same time, the application states that the current environmental situation in the mine area can be assessed as good. "In the past, the lack of activity is a reason to assume that environmental pollution does not exceed the natural level," the document says. Meanwhile, Qaraberd Community and the surrounding settlements have long been suffering from the negative impact caused with the development of the Central section of Qaraberd gold mine.
Due to the explosions in the mine, the dust spreads on the village, the noise disturbs the peace of the people. Back in 2020, when the mine was closed, during the visit of EcoLur team to Qaraberd, the locals stated that they were against the operation of the mine. "I am against the gold mine, because the pastures will be damaged, they will explode, and the dust will affect us and our products. Mine should not be operated near the village. It should be far away ...", they had mentioned.
September 03, 2021 at 12:18