Positive Conclusion to Ore-dressing Plant Construction Project Next to “Areviq” National Park

Positive Conclusion to Ore-dressing Plant Construction Project Next to “Areviq” National Park

On August 16, 2023, RA Environment Ministry issued a positive conclusion to the environmental impact assessment report (EIA) of the construction project of the ore-dressing plant in Meghri community, Syunik Region, submitted by "Lichqvaz" CJSC.

Reminder: back in 2017, RA Ministry of Environmental Protection issued a positive conclusion to the environmental impact assessment report of Lichqvaz-tey gold mining project / 29.06.2017 BP 60 expert assessment conclusion/ clearly requiring the exclusion of ore processing (factory, tailing dump, etc.) and implementation of accumulation works based on the uniqueness of the location.

The uniqueness of the location is due to the fact that Lichqvaz-tey gold mine is adjacent to the "Boghakar" site of "Arevik" National Park.

Lichqvaz-Tey mine

Lichqvaz-Tey gold mine is located on the right bank of the middle stream of Meghri River in Syunik Region, 4 km to the northwest of Vardanidzor village and 20 km from Meghri railway station. The nearest settlements are Yeghnikasar, Vardanidzor, Lehvaz, Tkhkut, Lichq and Aygedzor.

Currently, 150,000 tons of ore extracted annually from Lichqvaz-Tey underground mine is transported for processing to Kapan ore-dressing plant, which is about 70 km from the mine.

Ore-dressing plant

According to the document, the plant will occupy an area of ​​1.2 ha, where ore processing is planned to be carried out on site. The plant will consist of large crushing, crushed ore storage, crushing, concentrate dewatering, gravity mining, tailings dewatering and distribution facilities.

The manufacturing site will consist of factory, ore and refinery platforms. The surface of the landfills makes up 29.3 hectares. According to the document, the capacity of the factory is sufficient for processing up to 400 thousand tons of ore per year. Reclamation of dry tails will be carried out in stages.

Expert assessment requirements are as follows:

RA Environment Ministry issued a positive conclusion to the project to build a factory, subject to the fulfillment of a number of requirements, among which are as follows:

- During the implementation of the works, it is necessary to ensure and maintain the implementation of the measures provided in the environmental management plan and the monitoring plan.

- It is necessary to ensure the implementation of the reclamation works specified in the report.

- To involve the residents of the community and nearby communities in the working process of the factory, as well as to discuss with the community leadership the necessary assistance programs and to make appropriate financial investments in the community budget.

August 24, 2023 at 15:31