Lydian International Ltd. LYDIF

International CSOs letter regarding Amulsar mine

[Armenia]

We, the undersigned civil society groups, stand in solidarity with the residents of Jermuk, Gndevaz and Kechut, and with the environmental activists and concerned civil society in Armenia and appeal to the Government of Armenia to act on the Amulsar mine project for the benefit of people and environment...In August 2018 Lydian International attempted to forcefully break up what it calls “illegal” road blockades and since then has taken legal action against protesters with demands of compensation for the material and non-material damages incurred by the company (hundreds of thousands of dollars per day). The corporation has also sued activists, who spoke against mining in that area for “discrediting their good business reputation” and “defaming” them...In view of the above, we call on the Government of Armenia to: Ensure the safety and security of Armenian citizens exercising their rights to protest and demand proper consultations, to protect them from the threats and legal persecutions and to ensure their meaningful participation in the decision-making process for the Amulsar mine; Revoke the positive conclusion (permit) for the environmental impact assessment regarding the Amulsar mining based on the existing new evidence, including studies conducted by local and international experts; Conduct additional, comprehensive studies...
https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/armenia-ngos-urge-govt-to-address-health-hazards-water-contamination-risks-legal-persecution-of-activists-opposing-amulsar-gold-mine#c183231