The initiative group against the development, extraction and exploitation of Gladzor multi-metallic mine, established in Yeghegnadzor Community, Vayots Dzor Region, Armenia, presented to Vayots Dzor Regional Head Kolya Mikaelyan the conflicting situation created in the community related to the geological studies and further exploitation of Gladzor multi-metallic mine initiated by "Metal Gold" LLC. It should be noted that the conflict arose back in 2013.
Recently, this group presented its position to Vayots Dzor Regional Head Kolya Mikaelyan, which says: "Gladzor multi-metallic deposit is located on Teq Sar. Teq Sar and the adjacent watershed ridges are the catchment basin of Yeghegis, Arpa rivers, from which the Vernashen, Malishka, Gladzor and Yeghegis rivers flow into the gorge. The drinking water springs of Vernashen, Gladzor, Malishka, Vaik originate from that water basin. The Arpa-Sevan aqueduct passes in the neighborhood. Teq Sar and neighboring areas are pastures and privatized areas of grassland. Teq Sar is located on a ridge of uranium deposits.
We find that exploration and exploitation of the mine is incompatible for the population living in the vicinity of Teq Sar and for the communities through which the above-mentioned rivers pass. The future fate of Gladzor multi-metallic mine should be decided by the residents of the affected communities through a referendum.
Apply to the authorized body to recognize Yeghegnadzor consolidated community, Yeghegis consolidated community, Areni consolidated community and Vayq consolidated community as affected communities.
It should be noted that a meeting with interested parties is planned with Vayots Dzor Regional Head on July 26, 2024 , regarding the multi-metallic mine of Gladzor.
The article was produced with the financial support of the Media Initiatives Center within the framework of "Expanding Production of Independent Content" grant project.
July 25, 2024 at 16:36