On 17 July 2026, the second public hearings on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed geological exploration of the western and southeastern sections of the Armanis mineral field, submitted by SAGAMAR CJSC, were held in Lori Region.
The public hearings were scheduled to take place in three communities: 12:00 at Stepanavan Municipality, 14:00 at Office of the Administrative Head of Armanis Settlement, and 15:30 at Office of Administrative Head of Urasar settlement.
The hearings took place in a tense and heated atmosphere. The discussions were attended by representatives of civil society, activists, environmental advocates, and local residents who oppose the designation of the Stepanavan community and its surrounding settlements as a mining area. Participants stated that they see the future of their communities in the development of tourism and sustainable agriculture. The hearings were also attended by residents who expressed support for mining activities. At several points during the hearings, tensions arose between participants supporting and opposing the mining project, and police officers intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
The representatives of SAGAMAR CJSC were met with protests, banners, and chants in all three communities. Demonstrators carried messages such as "No to Metal Mining" and "I Choose Eco Stepanavan."
During the discussions, residents voiced their concerns and expressed their views on the proposed project. At one of the hearings, a representative of the Ministry of Environment stated that the comments and positions expressed by residents would be included in the official minutes of the public hearings and that all interested parties could also submit their observations directly to the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.
Photos and videos: cvmedia.am
July 17, 2026 at 17:34