Two very different programs are planned to be implemented in the territories of Sarahart and Shenavan settlements in Lori Region, Armenia. One is a gold prospecting project with the further option of gold mining, the other is a forest restoration project. Which program will be implemented?
On April 7, at 16:00, in the ceremonial hall of Gogaran settlement, Spitak Community, Lori Rgion, Armenia, with the participation of the residents of Sarahart and Shenavan settlements, the first public discussion on conducting geological exploration of mines in gold-polymetallic (for mineral extraction) mines in Hankakutak and its adjacent areas in Lori Region for 2022-2025 submitted by “Hayasa Resources Corp” LLC, as Spitak Community Municipality informs.
“Hayasa Resources Corp” LLC is interlinked with Canadian “Fremont Gold” company.
In 2021, “My Forest Armenia” NGO applied to RA Environment Ministry for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to carry out reforestation works on the lands belonging to the same Sarahart, Shenavan and Arevashogh settlements. In February 2022, the NGO received a positive opinion from Environment Ministry. The application is in the examination stage, the second public hearings ended with a positive assessment in March 2022.
Under the project, the area requested for reforestation is 1407 hectares, 494 hectares in Sarahart, 460 hectares in Shenavan and 453 hectares in Arevashogh. The selected areas are favourable in terms of growth of shrub species.
The community will face the dilemma of choosing a mining industry that can benefit the community in the short term but harm the environment, pollute the environment, or choose a green project that promises social and environmental benefits in the long run.
April 06, 2022 at 12:42