The Environmental Impact Assessment Expert Examination Center of the Ministry of Environment has issued a positive expert assessment for the project submitted by GMN GOLD MINING LLC to extend the mining period of the Sofi-Bina gold-polymetallic mine, located in Zaritap settlement of Vayk Community, Vayots Dzor Region.
According to Document No. 151-26, approved by Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan on October 14, 2026, the positive assessment was issued subject to the fulfillment of a number of mandatory conditions.
The document states that the mine site is located approximately 4.5 km from Zaritap settlement, 6 km from the administrative area of Zaritap settlement, 2 km from Yeghegis Reservoir, and approximately 210 m from the middle course of the Arpa River.
The project envisages open-pit mining. According to the assessment, the planned depth of the open pit is 94 m, its length 710 m, and its width 166 m. The maximum height of the open pit is specified as 80 m, its total area as 21.5 hectares, and the area of its upper platform as 13 hectares. The total area subject to mining and technical reclamation is planned to be 31.2 hectares. The open pit is expected to operate for 13.8 years.
The expert assessment establishes a number of requirements aimed at preventing and mitigating environmental impacts. These include monitoring impacts on ambient air, water resources, soil, and biodiversity; implementing dust suppression measures; limiting noise and vibration; and restoring disturbed areas.
The document also provides for monitoring water quality and quantity, dust concentrations in the air, soil, and biodiversity. The monitoring results must be submitted to the relevant authorities.
The assessment separately addresses the conservation of forest and plant resources, the protection of wildlife, and the mitigation of potential impacts on habitats. Measures to prevent and respond to emergencies are also envisaged.
According to the document, 1,687,700 AMD per year is allocated for the implementation of environmental protection measures, while 700,400 AMD per year is earmarked for measures to prevent and mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
The positive assessment was issued on the condition that all expert requirements set out in the project are fulfilled.
November 03, 2026 at 17:42