EcoLur

Because of mining 12 rivers and tributaries in Syunik Region have the worst pollution class – no. 5, which are Kishkosht and Ayriget Tributaries to Sisian River in Vorotan River Basin, Voghji River and Geghi River in Voghji River Basin, Artsvanik, Norashenik, Kavart, and Geghanush Tributaries, Meghriget and Kartchevan Rivers ad their Khachidzor and Agarak Tributaries in Meghriget River Basin, as 'South Water Basin Management Actions Plan for 2016-2021' document says.

Particularly Kishkosht and Ayriget Rivers are polluted by Dastakert copper and molybdenum mine owned by 'Molybdeni Ashkharh' LLC and the heavy metals in its tailing dump. 'Such continuous pollution of Kishkosht and Ayriget riverbeds will eventually lead to the serious damage of water ecosystems in the rivers and elimination of self-cleaning capacity,' the document says.

Ayri River Vorotan River

Geghi River

As a result of the inflow of surface waters formed due to prepicitation from the open mine area and the flows from Qajaran copper and molybdenum combine, the quality of the water in the river section below Qajaran town is classified from (II) class to (IV) classes. The heavy metals remain in the whole flow downwards, which deteriorates in the section where Artsvanik, Norashenik and Kavart Tributaries flow into the river in the area close to Kapan Town airport making the quality of the water worse - class 5 (V).

Zangezur copper and molybdenum combine Voghji River

Norashenik River is polluted by a part of technical waters washed by Shahumyan gold and polymetallic mine, as well as because of dumping industrial wastewater of 'Zangezour Copper and Molybdenum Combine' CJSC and leaks of the pipelines in Artsvanik tailing dump.

Norashenik River Shahumyan gold and polymetallic mine Pipelines of 'Zangezour Copper and Molybdenum Combine' CJSC Artsvanik tailing dump

Meghriget and Kartchevan Rivers are polluted by Agarak Combine flow waters, the same situation is in Khachidzor Tributary to Meghriget River and Agarak Tributary to Kartchevan River.