On October 11, an extraordinary session of Yeghegis Community Council (Vayots Dzor Reion) was convened, during which the agenda item on granting consent to extend the geological exploration period at the Vardenis gold-polymetallic prospecting site by two years (2026–2028) was removed from discussion.
Council member Narek Martirosyan, representing the Civil Contract faction, stated that there is a lack of certain information and that additional documents are needed to gain a clear understanding of the matter.
“First of all, we need to study all the documents. The company engaged in this prospecting has been operating for many years and already has samples. We must clearly understand what metals have been discovered so far and in what quantities. After all, the council is responsible for the community’s assets and must be able to assess whether it is appropriate to permit or prohibit the continuation of exploration.
Moreover, there is a preliminary investment from the European Bank — about 15 million USD. The issue of compatibility should also be discussed again in detail so that the council can make an objective decision,” Martirosyan noted.
During the discussion, some participants argued that removing an agenda item from an extraordinary session was illegal, as it contradicts procedural norms. However, at the initiative of Aharon Gabrielian, Acting Head of Yeghegis Community, the matter was put to a vote.
By majority decision, the council voted to remove the issue from the session agenda.
It should be recalled that on September 18, 2025, public hearings were held in Vardahovit settlement of Yeghegis consolidated community (Vayots Dzor Reion) regarding the proposed extension of geological exploration at the Vardenis polymetallic prospecting site until 2028.
The hearings took place in a tense atmosphere, as local residents raised concerns about potential risks to agriculture and public health.
October 14, 2025 at 19:56