On March 4, 2026, “Baktec Eco” LLC initiated two public hearings in Arjut village of Pambak consolidated community, Lori Region.
The first concerned the reconstruction and/or expansion of the Arjut gold ore processing plant, its technological modernization, as well as the construction of a new tailings facility and the possible expansion of the existing tailings site. The second hearing addressed the implementation of geological exploration in adjacent areas of Arjut gold deposit for the purpose of mineral extraction.
The hearings were held in a tense atmosphere, with direct police involvement to prevent potential clashes.
During the discussions, residents voiced concerns that the possible expansion of mining operations or construction of new infrastructure would further increase the environmental burden on the village and cause additional damage to the environment. They noted that to date they have not observed any positive changes in the village resulting from the mine’s operation.
The residents supporting the projects mainly emphasized the potential creation of new jobs and improvements in the village’s social conditions.
“If today you clearly understand the messages being conveyed and truly listen, you will be convinced that this community, these people, are against it. They do not agree in this form; other alternatives must be discussed.”
“There is already a mine and a processing plant in the village. No one is saying the mine or the plant should not operate - that is not the issue. Now they have come and say they want to explore a new area. The choice clearly belongs to the villagers - do they want their village to become even more environmentally burdened, or is what already exists sufficient? Previously the same thing happened - we agreed to research and exploration, and afterward agreed to development.”
“As a resident of the village, I oppose the construction of that tailings facility. I oppose any expansion there. If you have 25 years, let our people work. But as a villager, I am against any addition - I oppose every expansion.”
Head of Pambak Community Suren Kostandyan stated during the hearings that no decision is being made at this stage and that the community council will adopt a decision based solely on the opinion of community residents.
“This is not the first time we have held public hearings, and the council always listens to community opinions, environmentalists, and other stakeholders. The final decision is made by the council, taking into account all collected views.”
The representatives of the company emphasized that the current hearing primarily concerns the exploration process aimed at assessing the presence of reserves, rather than the immediate expansion of the mine.
“The exploration is intended only to determine the area’s resource potential and is not directly related to mining. If the study confirms the presence of reserves, only then will a new project be submitted, and the population will receive additional information and the opportunity to express their position. Subsequent projects will be presented to the public and relevant state authorities,” the representative of “Baktec Eco” LLC stated.
The company also noted that the exploration will include sampling and the preparation of a professional report, which will be submitted to the relevant state bodies.
Details are available in the video.
This article has been prepared with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic under the Transformation Cooperation Programme.
March 04, 2026 at 16:36