ASSAT LLC has been granted the right to continue operating the Central Section of the Qaraberd gold mine (Subsoil Use Permit No. 366) in Lori Region for an additional nine years. On December 16, 2025, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia issued a positive environmental impact assessment conclusion on the application submitted by the company. The mine will be operated using an underground mining method, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 tons.
The mine is located within the administrative territory of Qaraberd, part of Pambak community. Public hearings in Qaraberd were held in a tense atmosphere, with a number of participants opposing the continuation of mining activities, even under an underground operation model.
Pambak Municipality sent an official letter to the environmental assessment center stating that no substantiated obstacles had been presented that would prevent ASSAT LLC from continuing its operations. At the same time, Lori Regional Administration proposed that the annual allocation of AMD 24 million earmarked for the social and socio-economic development programs of Pambak community be at least doubled.
As a result of underground mining operations at Qaraberd gold mine, mining activities are expected to generate approximately 6,615 tons of waste rock.
Annual emissions have been calculated based on the yearly consumption of explosives, amounting to 43.2 tons. Dust emissions are estimated at 2.332 tons per year. Blasting operations will also generate emissions of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, estimated at 0.888 tons per year and 5.551 tons per year, respectively. The total annual volume of harmful emissions during the implementation of the planned activity is expected to amount to approximately 14.317 tons.
December 29, 2025 at 16:12