ArmInfo
Shikahogh Reserve is surrounded by mining sites. ArmInfo correspondent was told that to hold geological exploration some company has taken on lease land plots of four villages of Syunik region - Tsav, Srashen, Tchakat and Shikahogh. The rent makes up 4 thsd AMD per hectare. According to preliminary information, over 1700 ha are leased out for 4 years.
"This company's representatives haven't applied to us personally. But we were instructed by the administration of Syunik region to give our lands for geological exploration. The relevant agreement was concluded a week ago", Head of the rural community Shikahogh Gegham Kazaryan said. According to him, from Shikahogh 2 plots with the total area of 850 ha have been leased, 509 ha of them are lands of agricultural designation. The second plot is situated outside the territory of Shikahog community and neighbors on Shikahogh Reserve. Kazaryan says that in early XX a group of French miners searched copper here. "I have heard that there is a uranium deposit near the village of Tsav but I can't say if this is true. According to rumors, some people came here in search of uranium in 2007," says Kazaryan.
Director of Shikahogh Reserve Ruben Mkrtchyan does not think that prospecting activities pose any threat to the reserve. All the plots are outside the buffer zone no less than 3 km away from the reserve. "It is just prospecting and I see no danger in it," says Mkrtchyan.
November 03, 2008