EcoLur
Jermuk residents expressed their concern with Amoulsar gold mine development at the discussions held in Jermuk resort town on 28 November 2011. The discussion was held by “Geoteam” Company, a subsidiary to “Lydian International” Company, which prepares to develop this mine. At the beginning of the meeting “Geoteam” Company Director Hayk Aloyan presented the activities of their company and main shareholders – International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and outlined the strict approaches that companies have in environmental and social matters. Then the company’s foreign expert explained the sage process for mine development.
After company representatives’ speeches, a Jermuk resident proposed to watch “Amoulsar – Gold Rush” documentary produced by EcoLur, which focuses on Amoulsar project risks, but the company drastically turned down this suggestion. “Bring your projector and computer, switch them on, download from the website this film and screen it. Your film is based on nonsense,” said Nerses Karamanukyan, Caucasus Director of Lydian International. “If this is a public discussion, let watch what they say. We have been listening to you for hours. You can’t say it’s nonsense, we didn’t comment on any of your word,” Jermuk residents counter attacked. Nerses Karamanukyan suggested asking the questions arising from the film by Ecolur to their independent expert.
Jermuk resident expressed their deep concerns with increase in radiation in the course of mine development. Geoteam company’s Environmental and Social manager Armen Stepanyan assured that there is no uranium in the territory, as thousands tests had been carried out at different depths and no uranium had been detected.
“In terms of seismicity, we are located in the quake zone of on average 7-8 points. There have been frequent cases of combined natural and technical disasters which caused huge damages. Now what’s our guarantee that natural and technical disasters won’t ever get combined during explosions, while the risk zone can increase though leak of radioactive materials. In case of any leak, the lands of Ararat Valley will get contaminated though Sevan tunnel of Lake Sevan and Hrazdan River, i.e. the agricultural food in the whole republic will be unsuitable for use,” a Jermuk resident expressed her concern. In reply to her question, “Geoteam” Company Director Hayk Aloyan said, “Explosions have no connection in this regard. Let’s assume that two-three buildings in Yerevan are located next to each other, and explosions are carried out for building a new foundation for the building. All the explosion works are controllable, i.e. if we add or reduce the right explosive, they will have the right effect. It has nothing in common with seismicity and nothing in common at all with uranium, radiation and other leaks.” Nerses Karamanukyan mentioned that they comply with all the international environmental standards and they will become one of the biggest tax payers in Armenia, they will fill the Armenian budget with money and they are not going to leave Armenia. “If something negative happens, we all will be held liable,” said Nerses Karamanukyan. “I think that Jermuk water as blue gold will have higher economic profit than metal gold. This is our future and I don’t know where your future is. I was born here, I live here, but you will come and go. I am thinking about my generations,” contradicted a Jermuk resident.
Another Jermuk Resident mentioned it’s the first time they deal with such issue and asked, “What kind of influence will public opinion have on your further programs, as you have already invested money and did certain works?”
Another Jermuk Resident mentioned it’s the first time they deal with such issue and asked, “What kind of influence will public opinion have on your further programs, as you have already invested money and did certain works? Whether it is possible to stop your activities or the public opinion can’t affect on the course of your works in any way?”
Geoteam representatives answered, “All the scientifically substantiated data will be taken into consideration by 100%, but if it’s hearsay and gossip, intrigues, then…”
“We don’t play any intrigues in regard with our hometown and motherland. We bear responsibility for our generations. Maybe it’s the money which goes to the state budget and to some extent affects on people’s pockets. I don’t know how much it reflects to us, but environment requires us to leave healthy nature to our generations as an inheritance. What kind of intrigues are you speaking about? Are we enemies to our land or our pocket? I can’t get it,” the resident got irritated.
December 14, 2011 at 14:48