On April 17, 2026, Yeghegis Community Council in Vayots Dzor Region will hold an extraordinary session at the proposal of “Mendia Resources” LLC. The agenda includes one issue: granting consent to extend the deadline of geological exploration works at Vardenis gold-polymetallic ore occurrence site in Vayots Dzor Region.
It should be noted that the company’s permit for geological study aimed at mineral extraction (permit No. EHT-29/370) expired on April 10, 2026.
A draft decision approving the activities of “Mendia Resources” LLC has already been published on the official website of the Yeghegis Municipality:
According to Article 16 of RA Law “On Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise”, based on the company’s application, the community was required to organize a public hearing, upon which the community council should decide whether to approve or reject the proposed activity. However, no public hearing has taken place.
Arthur Grigoryan, President of “EcoRight” NGO and a lawyer, told Ecolur: “The EIA law establishes clear deadlines for granting preliminary consent by the community council, which must be observed during the assessment and expertise process. If these are not respected, the authorized body is not entitled to conduct the examination of the proposed activity.”
In turn, Acting Head of Yeghegis Community Aharon Gabrielyan told Ecolur that in the autumn, “Mendia Resources” LLC filed a lawsuit against Yeghegis Council regarding its previous decision.
On October 27, 2025, Yeghegis community council rejected the company’s request to extend the deadline of geological exploration works, with 8 votes against, 0 in favor, and 0 abstentions with its decision No. 96-A.
April 16, 2026 at 15:57