On August 21, 2026, the second public hearing was held at the office of the administrative head of Zaritap settlement in Vayk Community, Vayots Dzor Region, on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report submitted by GMN Gold Mining LLC concerning the extension of the operating period for Sofia-Bina gold-polymetallic mine.
The company intends to obtain two permits: one to extend the operating period of the Sofia-Bina gold-polymetallic mine, and another to construct an ore, mineral and concentrate processing plant within the administrative area of Zaritap settlement, Vayk Community, Vayots Dzor Region.
The public hearing took place in a tense atmosphere. Disagreements arose among participants during the discussion, including over the participation of environmental activists. Some participants attempted to prevent them from taking part in the hearing.
The discussion focused primarily on the potential impacts of the processing plant on the environment, settlements, public health, agriculture, and, in particular, horticultural and winemaking businesses in the region.
Gegham Margaryan, Head of Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection at Vayots Dzor Governor’s Office, noted that the mining project poses environmental risks.
Participants also raised the question of whether, following the company’s previous negative EIA conclusion and subsequent modifications to the project, the company could continue the process without initiating an entirely new procedure and obtaining a new decision from the community council.
In response, it was stated that, under the relevant provisions of the applicable legislation, if the baseline conditions and parameters of the proposed activity have not changed, the project location remains the same, and the previous community council decision remains in force, that decision may be used within the framework of the environmental impact assessment and expert review process.
Watch the video for details.
Photo and video by www.cvmedia.am
August 21, 2026 at 18:08