On October 13, 2025, the first public hearing on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the extraction of limestone marl (clay-limestone) at the Karmirsar deposit in Ararat Region—proposed by ORD Group LLC—was held at the office of the administrative head of the Ginevet settlement, part of the Vedi community.
According to residents and eyewitnesses, a large police presence was observed in the area prior to the start of the meeting. Initially, it was announced that only residents of Ginevet would be allowed to attend, but following public objections and legal clarifications, participation was permitted for all interested citizens.
During the discussion, representatives of local self-government bodies repeatedly interrupted speakers, and the questions raised were not given full or clear answers. According to attendees, representatives of ORD Group LLC mainly emphasized the topics of financial investment and job creation.
It should be noted that the same company, under the name ORD, had also applied last year for permission to operate the Karmirsar mine, but the project was rejected by the Ministry of Environment.
During the public hearing, questions were raised about the risks of air, water, and environmental pollution, which remained unanswered. Citizens were not allowed to make statements. Instead of official responses, attendees reported hearing promises such as: “We will bring water, new jobs will be created, there are investments.”
Ultimately, the discussion was terminated by the organizers, citing “repetitive questions.” However, participants stated that many of their questions remained unanswered.
At the end of the meeting, residents boycotted the hearing, declaring that their concerns had not been addressed and that they considered the public discussion invalid.
More details are available in the video:
October 14, 2025 at 19:17