www.theanalyticon.com, Hayk Ghazaryan
The “Analyticon” has made an enquiry to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of NKR and found out that Artsakh has 15 metallic mines and 51 non-metallic ones, particularly those of construction materials (sand, limestone etc), out of which 48 have licenses for development, 13 mines are explored and 2 mines are developed: Drmbon mine developed by “Base Metals” CJSC, owned by Vallex Company Group, and the gold mine in Tondirget, Qashatagh area, developed by “Gold Star” CJSC. “Base Metals” CJSC, which is considered to be one of top tax payers in Artsakh, is carrying out works in the geological area of Drmbon- Mekhmana (515 sq. km), where Kashen copper mine is located, while its development is titled as the biggest event in the economic life of Artsakh. Kashen combine is expected to annually process up to 1,600,000 tons of ore (Drmbon combine processes 350,000 tons).
German “Freedom Resources” and “Freedom Metals” companies, which are registered in Artsakh, are conducting exploration in Shahumyan area. The first company is exploring the ore field in Shahumyan area (precious metals, nonferrous metals and rare metals), while the second is the mercury mine in Zuar, Shahumyan area. In the Soviet years, the ore mined in Zuar was transferred to the surroundings of Dadivank, where the foundry used to operate. Artsakh has only three tailing dumps, which are located in Drmbon ore processing complex. Tailing dumps will also be located both in Kashen and Tondriget mines, as ore processing complexes are planned to be constructed in these places.
September 30, 2013 at 11:42