

In order to clarify the impact of Qaraberd gold mine on the environment and the health of local residents, “Arnika” Czech NGO together with “Center for Community Mobilization and Support” and “EcoLur” Informational NGO conducts research on chemical pollution of the territories adjacent to the mine in Qaraberd village, Lori Region, Armenia.
The research is carried out within the framework of "Participation of civil society in the protection of chemical safety in Armenia" project with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. Czech specialists took samples from the tails of the mine and adjacent areas, mine and surface waters, kitchen gardens and orchards, as well as the hair and urine of residents.
"… We are concerned that the operating company is not sufficiently responsible for the negative consequences for vulnerable communities. We see a community literally sitting on gold, and a poor population. There is beautiful nature here. People want alternative development. The conducted studies will provide evidence of the impact of the mine, which the community can use for their next steps when it is necessary to sign a new contract with the company, where the obligations and requirements of the parties will be clear,” Inga Zarafyan said, President of “EcoLur” Informational NGO.
Qaraberd residents spoke about the negative impact of the mine. “This gold mine has harmed our nature, our animals. If there is damage caused to us, they shall close the mine and leave, or relocate us and provide protection. They deceived us, they said that we would help you, they collected signatures and left ...
Reminder: in 2018-2021 “Arnika” Czech NGO together with “Center for Community Mobilization and Support” and “EcoLur” Informational NGO conducted research on chemical pollution in Tumanyan area of Lori Region, and mapped the contaminated areas. As a result of the research, residents of the affected settlements went to court to restore their rights and receive compensation. “There was a precedent when about 70 citizens from the settlements of Akhtala, Tchotchkan, Mets Ayrum applied to e court for damages caused to their health. We have cases of direct compensation from the company," Oleg Dulgaryan said.
Project coordinator Valeria Grechko from Arnika promised to provide residents with the results of her research. “Residents who took part in the research and provided samples for analysis will receive an official document with a seal, with which they can apply to the relevant authority to protect their rights,” Valeria Grechko said.
October 19, 2022 at 13:33