EcoLur
The Nature Protection Ministry issued a positive opinion to the geological prospecting of Masrik gold mine, Gegharkounik Region, submitted by “Alluvial Gold Mining” CJSC.
Masrik River flows into Lake Sevan, which is under the negative impact of Sotq gold mine and the river water is of poor quality, category 4.
The requirements of the environmental expertise don’t mention anything about the river. It only mentions that in case red-listed plants and animal species are detected, the company shall be guided by RA Government N71-Ն and N72-Ն dated on 29.01.2010, while the issue of the fertile land will be used in line with the governmental resolution N 396-Ն dated on 08.09.2001.
Nevertheless, neither the project, not the announcement about the public hearings was displayed on the official website of Nature Protection Ministry, while Article 26(1) of RA Law “On Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise” says, the expertise processed shall undergo public notification and discussion to ensure public awareness and participation, while the other clauses of the law says that the competent body is in charge of the notification (Nature Protection Ministry), the initiator and the local government bodies of the territorial administration at least seven days before the hearings.
The geological prospecting works will be conducted in the northern – eastern part of Gegharkounik Region, in the area of Verin Shorzha community.
The average gold concentration in Masrik will account for 302.5 mg/m3.
December 09, 2014 at 16:32