RA Environment Ministry has issued a negative conclusion to the project submitted by "AV Mining" LLC for the preliminary environmental impact assessment of the geoprospecting for gems and gold ores in Snkadzor mineral field in Arjidzor, Lori Region.
The ministry gave several reasons for its rejection. In particular, the negative conclusion says:
"The requested site is rich in water resources. The groundwater basin of the Lori Plateau is located in the area. Arjidzor mineral field is located in the catchment area of Arjidzor and Snkadzor rivers, whereas the left bank is located on the left bank of the Dzoraget River in front of the Snkadzor river.
The potential impact on environmental components, in particular that on water resources and mitigation measures, has not been fully substantiated in the preliminary assessment application.
According to the data submitted by Cadastre Committee, the area covered by the coordinates of the turning points of the requested area is 407.5 hectares, which includes shrubs of forest significance, lands of water purpose.
In the public discussions held in Katnaghbyur on January 20, 2022, the residents of the community disagreed on the implementation of the planned activities, the representatives of the NGOs and some of the residents opposed the implementation of the planned activities due to the possible future development of the mine due to the possible future environmental impact of the mine.
After the public discussions, letter N87 issued by Stepanavan Community Head dated January on 26, 2022 was submitted to "Environmental Impact Assessment Center" SNCO, where the opinion of Stepanavan community conducted in the form of the enquiries with the residents of Katnaghbyur settlement was presented, which says the community cannot give a positive opinion on the geological research activities within the borders, as Katnaghbyur settlement has a special nature, it stands out with its natural healing waters, and in the future it is planned to develop ecotourism there,” the official document says.
It should be added that immediately after the public discussions held on January 20, Katnaghbyur residents initiated a petition to oppose any mining activity in the settlement.
It should be reminded that with this application the "AV Mining" company intended to search, evaluate and estimate the reserves of gems such as chalcedony and ossicles and gold.
February 02, 2022 at 15:51