EcoLur

EcoLur is joining the residents of Vernashen and Gladzor Communities demanding to reject the development of Gladzor Polymetallic Mine. EcoLur has sent a statement to Nature Protection Ministry, where the project on Gladzor polymetallic mine submitted by “Vayq Metal” LLC is being examined, which says: "On 23 May and 28 June the public hearings on Gladzor Polymetallic Mine project submitted by “Vayq Metal” LLC were held in Gladzor Community, Vayots Dzor Region…During the last hearings, the participants voted against the project as a result of the voting proposed by Community Head Andranik Martirosyan. Earlier Vernashen Community having been included in the impact zone, also opposed to the project and sent a relevant letter, which particularly says, “…In case of mining, the water running through “Bayliz” mine will be polluted and our orchards and vineyards, which are irrigated with this water, will dry out…” Getting familiarized with “Vayq Mettal” claim, EcoLur is joining the demand not to develop the mine expressed by impacted community residents. Thus, Gladzor mine contains metals and elements, which bear serious risks for environment and health, as well as economic risks, which are not mentioned in the project. Hrachya Avagyan, Chief Specialist at the Institute of Economics of NAS RA, Dr in Geological Sciences writes in his book by entitled “Ways and Prospects of Mining and Metallurgical Industries in the Republic of Armenia” (p. 107, Yerevan 2011, “Gitutyun” Publishing House, Institute of Economics of NAS RA): the mine contains 573, 264 tons of sulfur, 1464 tons of cadmium, among anticipated reserves there are 2118116 tons of sulfur, 2983 tons of bismuth, 14460 tons of tellurium and 17 tons of thallium. We would like to focus on the high concentration of sulfur, which may lead to the emission of toxic cases and self-combustion. The project doesn’t say anything about it and safety and prevention measures. The project also doesn’t mention anything about the assessment of impact on water, which are sources of water supply for Vernashen Community. The opinion of Vernashen communities on the expected economic damage to their orchards and vineyards were also ignored. The residents are concerned with radiation risks. For our part we would like to mention G. P. Aloyan’s article entitled “Resource Potential for Radioactive Raw Materials in Armenia and Its Development Perspectives” (Issue N 6, 2007, “Mountainous Journal” scientific journal) says that Vernashen and Vayq uranium demonstrations are mentioned in Vayots Dzor grou of radioactive raw materials. A special governmental permit is needed in order to carry out special investigation on the presence of uranium reserves and other radioactive elements, which the company doesn’t have. At the same time the data provided by State Committee on Radiation Safety that radiation background complies with the standard, don’t have anything is common with the determination whether or not there are uranium reserves. Taking into consideration that the project on Gladzor mine development doesn’t reflect the requirements posed to the Environmental Impact Assessment and the existing risks and measures for their decrease and reduction we think this project should be rejected.”