The public discussion of the preliminary environmental impact assessment of geological works in Vardenis polymetallic mining site in Vayots Dzor Region submitted by "Mendia Resources" LLC failed. The community expressed its opposition to the planned activity in Vardahovit village of Yeghegis community on October 14.
"At first, we started the discussion normally, then it got tenser. Our community opposes this project. We will draw up the official protocol within five days and send it to Environment Ministry", Artur Stepanyan, Head of Yeghegis Community, said in his conversation with EcoLur.
He mentioned that the main concern is related to water resources. "The sources of our waters are located in that area, where they want to study. If today we allow them to come, study, find enough reserves, then they would like to develop these resources, but all those waters will disappear," Artur Stepanyan said.
"The people raised agricultural, environmental, and health issues, but the company's answers did not satisfy them," Vardahovit Administrative Head Samvel Gevorgyan told EcoLur.
Reminder: RA Vayots Dzor Regional Governor's Office issued a negative opinion on the application of "Mendia Resources" LLC:
Representatives of political society and environmental organizations also issued a negative opinion about this project, noting that the planned works pose risks for the project of establishing ecological corridors in Armenia.
October 14, 2022 at 15:29