Arin Residents Oppose Construction Project for Mining Tailings Processing Plant By "GMN Gold Mining" LLC

On February 18, 2025, a public hearing was held at the administrative building of Arin village, which is part of Vayq consolidated community in Vayots Dzor Region. The hearing was initiated by "GMN Gold Mining" LLC and concerned both the permit for ore extraction from a mining site within the village’s territory and the construction project for a processing plant for mining tailings and concentrates.

Among the participants in the public hearing were Manvel Avetisyan, Administrative Head of Arin Village; Karo Mikayelyan, a representative of "GMN Gold Mining" LLC; Samvel Ikhtaryan, Head of Urban Planning Department of Vayq consolidated community; Mesrop Mesropyan, assistant to Community Head; Gegham Margarian, Head of Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Vayots Dzor Regional Administration; and various residents of the Vayq Community.

According to the minutes of the public hearing, many attendees found the information presented about the mining project to be incomplete and insufficient. The details regarding the plant were given by Manvel Avetisyan, while Karo Mikayelyan, representing the company, was unable to provide clear answers to numerous questions raised by local residents. These questions pertained to the location of the mining site, the composition and concentration of the extracted materials, the metals contained in the ore, and the nature of the residual waste.

Residents expressed concerns about the project’s potential ecological impact. Albert Gevorgyan, director of Arin village’s school and a chemistry specialist, asked about the technology used for washing the extracted materials. The company’s representative stated that cyanide would be used but was unable to provide a well-founded explanation regarding safe usage methods.

Further concerns were raised about seismic risks, as Arin village is situated in a seismically active zone. Karo Mikayelyan responded that the toxic substances would be neutralized and the remaining waste would be covered with polyethylene sheeting.

Farmers Senik Harutyunyan and Norik Harutyunyan voiced their worries about the potential harm to families engaged in livestock farming, as well as environmental threats to the surrounding area. No clear answers were given to these concerns either.

Gegham Margarian emphasized that such processing plants could have a serious impact on the surrounding environment by polluting water resources and soil and harming plant and animal life. He recommended that the public hearing’s outcome be used to issue a negative conclusion regarding the project.

At the end of the hearing, a vote was held. Out of the participants, 18 opposed the project, while 2 seconded it.

Additionally, according to Armenia’s electronic registry, "GMN Gold Mining" LLC is listed under "Vardani Zartonq" LLC, which holds the mining rights for Sofi-Bina gold-polymetallic deposit. The development period is valid until December 3, 2026.

February 24, 2025 at 18:02