EcoLur
“Polymetal Armenia”, a member of Russian “Polymetal” Group has disseminated a statement, which says it stops its geological prospecting works in Lori and Tavush, ““Polymetal Armenia” LLC informs that it stops the project of conducting geological prospecting works in the administrative areas of Alaverdi and Shnogh Communities in Lori Region, Noyemberyan and Koghb Communities in Tavush Region and interrelated works in regard to organizing environmental impact expert assessment and public discussions, as we prioritize the positive public perception of our activities,” the statement of the company says.
“Polymetal Armenia” intended to carry out geological prospecting in the administrative areas of Alaverdi and Shnogh Communities in Lori Region, Noyemberyan and Koghb Communities in Tavush Region from 2018-2021 and the company intended to detect and assess prospective reserves of gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, copper and zinc.
A signature collection have launched on Facebook social network against Polymetal Armenia’s project, which has been supported by over 1800 people.
Noyemberyan Community Head Karen Abazyan said in her interview with EcoLur: “We expressed our position that we are against this project.” Koghb Community Head Arsen Aghababyan expressed his negative opinion in his interview with EcoLur, “We are all against. These areas are our pastures, tree nurseries, forests and water. But even we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t allow them to do it.”
“Polymetal” entered Armenia in 2015, when acquired the right of Kapan and Litchqvaz-Tey polymetallic mines in Syunik Region intends to search for gold, copper, silver, lead and zinc in the territory of 20 residential areas of 3 communities in Syunik Region. In 2016 the company purchased “Kapan Ore Processing Combine” CJSC at US $ 25 million.
At the beginning of 2018 RA Nature Protection Ministry permitted to search for metals “Polymetal” in 20 residential areas in Syunik Region.
14:07 March 15, 2018 (ECOLUR)