EcoLur
The public hearings on the opencast development of Hanqavan molybdenum mine to be developed by “Golden Ore” LLC in the resort zone of Armenia, Hanqavan, was held on 26 October.
The mine is located 0,5 km far from Hanqavan Village and 37 km far from Hrazdan. Nearby is Meghradzor gold mine. Earlier, on 17 October, the public hearings on this project were held in Meghradzor. The project on Hanqavan mine is based on the data of Soviet period. In accordance with these data, the mine occupies 10 square km, where the open mine, crushing workshop, ore pipes and dumps will be located. The working area will be placed 250 m far from Hanqavan on the bank of Marmarik River.
Besides molybdenum and chalcopyrite, the mine contains metals and compounds with unprofitable composition. The dust contain the whole table by Mendeleev will spread in environment in case of explosions, i.e. in the whole territory of Hanqavan, in soil and water.
Marmarik River with its tributaries is running in the territory of the mine. These are underground springs, which are drinking water reserves. This very water will be used for mine development and to provide employees with water. It’s unknown what will be with underground springs after explosions. Still it’s not the end. Developers intend to use Damir-Mogara River as well and to construct drainage system.
The project says nothing about the environmental impact of mine development, spread risks of toxic dust, impact on water resources, people’s health and ecosystem, forests and pastures. If there is no word about risks, it’s clear that the project also doesn’t say a word about risk reduction measures. It’s not the first time when Nature Protection Ministry holds public hearings on bad projects instead of rejecting these projects for their uselessness.
October 26, 2011 at 17:18