EcoLur
Teghout copper and molybdenum mining project had a negative impact on the social state in Teghout and Shnogh villages: it’s one of the conclusions of the studies carried out by sociologist Anahit Mkrtchyan, Head of “Community Mutual Assistance” Social NGO.
The studies have been carried out among the residents of Shnogh and Teghout villages, Lori Region, on 1 and 2 March within the frames of “Promotion of Transparent and Accountable Governance in Mining” project.
The studies particularly showed:
“A. the social negative impacts of Teghout mining are visible for the population and they have significantly impacted the number of their land areas and the quality of products, as well as human health.
B. Damage prevention and overcoming works by “Teghout” CJSC have been carried out insufficiently.
C. “Teghout” CJSC is not included in RA Law “On Expedient Use of Environmental Fees Paid by Companies”, which is subject to correction that will enable the population to make use of environmental taxes and will try to overcome the negative consequences of the mining impact.
D. The awareness and legal literacy of an average statistical resident is not enough for the full involvement into the EITI process and to record successes.”
Thus, the studies showed that “...the evident damage caused by the population to atmospheric air, water, and soil are related especially to the disappearance of forest springs and the pollution of the irrigation water. Moreover, only today the villagers having interviews with us regret about the loss of their agricultural land areas and pastures as they have been deprived of their source of income - opportunities of cattle breeding, producing crops and vegetables they used to have.
In order to make the operations of “Teghout” CJSC accountable before the residents, the residents have made organizational proposals and taking them into consideration would significantly increase the entire effectiveness and sustainability of the entire Teghout project.
REVELATIONS
· The level of awareness of the population on the negative and positive social impact of the mining operations and the sources of information ensuring them.
· The assessment of the population of the damage caused to the atmospheric air, water and soil in the mining-impacted community.
· Residents on the awareness of their own rights on the prevention of mining damage and ways of overcoming their consequences.
· Opportunities of being involved in the EITI processes.
This material has been prepared within “Mining-Impacted Communities – Full Participants in EITI Process'” project implemented by EcoLur with the USAID support within the frames of “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center.
This article is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
April 25, 2019 at 20:29