EcoLur
Photo reporter Gagik Shamshyan reported from Gegharkounik Region that 50 trucks of 'KAMAZ' make blocked Vardenis-Sotq highway. The drivers informed that they will block the road unless they problems are solved. The trucks carry gold-bearing ore from Sotq mine. As drivers assure, Misha Grigoryan, who is responsible for transportation, violates safety rules and forces to overload cars and doesn't provide fuel as prescribed by the agreement, which is jeopardy for drivers. They say they were cases when the trucks overturned.
Under drivers, the country authorities speak about their intention to increase the number of working places to prevent migration, but when we apply to them with the protests against the enterprise administration, we hear in reply, if you don't work, we will hire Georgians.
Note by EcoLur: The reference to that, in last resort, Georgians can be hired to work is rather unsound as 'Madneuli' Georgian company, a part of GeoProMining Company Group, was sold to another Russian Company 'Capital Group' in 2012, which, in its turn, owns 'Neva-Rus' Company. The latter owns gold pits in Armanis mine and Sagamar ore processing mine, Lori Region, but not Sotq mine. Thus it's still a question in which region and who 'Madneuli' employees can replace. Nevertheless, under the recent information, “Madneuli” company is currently examined by the Investigation Service of Georgian Finance Ministry (http://www.apsny.ge/2012/other/1356653419.php).
March 18, 2013 at 13:54