Arminfo.info



 Tuesday, August 20 2019 12:25
Naira Badalian

FIDH: ELARD Report Confirms Amulsar Gold Mine`s Activities  Are Far from Safe for the Environment and Communities

FIDH: ELARD Report Confirms Amulsar Gold Mine`s Activities  Are Far from Safe for the Environment and Communities

ArmInfo. FIDH, an international non-governmental organization headquartered in the  Paris that monitors, investigates, and documents human rights  abuses, notes in its publication the day before that the audit report  on the development of the Amulsar field confirms serious shortcomings  in assessing the impact and monitoring of the mining company .  

"Last week, a long-awaited independent third-party assessment was  published, commissioned by the Armenian government on the impact on  the water resources, geology, biodiversity and air quality of the  Amulsar Gold Mine, which is likely to pave the way for the resumption  of gold mining. Although the report was interpreted as confirmation  that the Amulsar mine does not pose a threat to the environment and  the health of others, some of the conclusions of the report paint a  different picture, "the author of the article notes.

Despite the words of the interim president and CEO of Lidian  International, Edward Sellers, that the audit report confirms  Lydian's prudent approach to environmental protection, the author  believes that, in essence, the report is a review of the previous  environmental and social environment (ESIA) conducted by Lidian, and  does not take into account the impact of the project on the social  sphere and human rights.  According to the article, although the risk  of water pollution of Jermuk mineral springs is excluded, the  conclusion contains a number of alarming conclusions. In particular,  as noted in a Human Rights press release, the ESIA / EIA estimates  are inadequate and the findings are unreliable. Accordingly, the  question of whether the exploitation of an ore deposit can finally be  considered safe cannot be resolved. "Some measures and plans are  partial, insufficiently protective and / or unreliable with a high  degree of uncertainty due to insufficient and dubious initial  characteristics, data, models, design fundamentals and / or  evaluations," the material says.

In addition, the acid-generating potential of the rock was not  calculated correctly and "there is a clear likelihood of groundwater  contamination (drainage of acidic rocks) of water entering it. This  pollution will especially affect nearby sources that are important  for local livestock and wildlife." At the same time, it is noted that  the assessment does not include the cost of damage to water  resources, based on the assumption that pollution will not occur.  Based on this, the assessment of potential losses is unrealistic.

At the same time, according to an international organization, a  strong earthquake can cause the release of water in contact with the  mine and adversely affect groundwater and surface water in the direct  impact zone of Lake Sevan, especially during the operation phase,  when a large amount of contact water is stored in the reservoirs.  Such emissions will pollute nearby sources and the Arpa River. The  significance of the impacts on the Kechutskoye and Vorotan reservoirs  and the Darb River (and Lake Sevan) is uncertain, since the models in  the ESIA did not quantify these impacts.

Thus, according to the organization, this audit report raises serious  questions about how the ESIA was performed by Lydian, how the  potential impact was assessed, and what measures the company took to  monitor such impacts.  t is also noted that the conclusion also does  not address some of the issues identified in the 2017 report of the  Advisor on compliance with the requirements of the Ombudsman of the  International Finance Corporation (IFC) (which has since ceased its  investment in the project) on the acquisition of land and the lack of  proper consultation with all affected communities, in particular,  with the Jermuk community, which will be mainly affected by the  activities of the mine.  "For these reasons, this audit report,  although it provides additional interesting and useful information,  can in no way be considered as a document that gives a green light to  a company that operates in the Amulsar region," FIDH notes.

Referring to the words of the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol  Pashinyan that "if the operation of the mine is safe for Lake Sevan,  the waters of Jermuk and reservoirs, we will allow the mine to be  operated; if not, we will choose a different path," the author of the  article states that "this audit the report confirms that the  activities of the Amulsar Gold Mine are far from safe for the  environment and surrounding communities. " Recall that on August 14,  the Investigative Committee of Armenia presented an expert opinion on  the Amulsar project of the consulting company Earthlink & Advanced  Resources Development (ELARD).  Based on the conclusion of the  examination, the SC of Armenia stated that there is no direct  connection between the underground waters located on the territory of  the Amulsar project and the thermal hot springs of Jermuk. There is  also no connection with the waters of the Sevan basin. Moreover, as  indicated in the UK, during an earthquake, a certain concentration of  acid drainage can penetrate into the basin of Lake Sevan through the  Spandaryan and Ketchut reservoirs. However, the combination of this  concentration will be insignificant on the scale of Lake Sevan. The  third important conclusion: the impact on the Arpa, Debit and Darb  rivers can be mitigated if LydianArmenia takes 16 environmental risk  mitigation measures proposed by experts. As the head of the UK Hayk  Grigoryan pointed out, LydianArmenia representatives have already  expressed their readiness to implement 15 of the proposed 16 events:  10 events they are already holding, 5 will be ready to conduct in the  near future. Residents of the resort town of Jermuk,  environmentalists and activists opposed to the development of the  mine did not agree with the conclusions and came out to protest.

As a result, on the eve of the morning, Prime Minister of Armenia  Nikol Pashinyan held a discussion with interested parties. The  latter, after the meeting, stated that they were dissatisfied with  the meeting and would continue their struggle, guided by the motto:  "Amulsar should remain a mountain and a point." Activists in protest  decided to block Baghramyan Avenue, many moved to the building of the  National Assembly of Armenia, a brawl took place between police  officers and participants in the protest. As a result, for the  failure to comply with the legal requirements of police officers, six  citizens were subjected to drive. On the issue, the prime minister  also held a closed meeting with deputies of the My Step faction.   Already in the evening, during the promised "live broadcast", the  Prime Minister gave the green light to the development of the Amulsar  field. According to him, the Armenian government will conduct  constant monitoring during the development of the Amulsar field. "If  during monitoring we suddenly fix that the Lidian-Armenia company  does not comply with the conditions set by us, then we will give them  90 days to eliminate the gaps or the field will be closed. That is,  the government has all the tools to manage this process," said he,  adding that under current conditions, the field will be exploited  subject to unprecedented high environmental standards. "Today,  according to our clear data, Amulsar does not harm Sevan. It will  work according to the highest environmental criteria. If we do not  fulfill the conditions set by us, they will not take us seriously. I  am 99.9% sure that the field does not pose a threat to the  environment of the RA.  Therefore , we must fulfill the conditions  that we set>, - he said, concluding by expressing bewilderment by the  acts of disobedience arranged by citizens.

Lydian Armenia is a subsidiary of British Lydian International. The  Amulsar project is the largest industrial project in Armenia today  for the development of the Amulsar gold deposit with a total value of  $ 370 million. In August 2016, the start of the project involving the  construction and development of the deposit took place.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Official voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announcedOfficial voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announced
With With "demarcation" going at this rate it will reach Yerevan:  Pashinyan points out to Tavush residents the need to quickly transfer  4 villages to Azerbaijan
Pashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been providedPashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been provided
Stoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relationsStoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relations
Armenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec GenArmenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec Gen
Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists 
Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!
Higher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premierHigher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premier
Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries 
Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian 
U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden 
Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities 
Moscow Moscow "testing" its relations with Yerevan
Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep 
Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan 
Three Sad Stories about FraudstersThree Sad Stories about Fraudsters
Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification 
Opposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MPOpposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MP
Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023
Peter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EUPeter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EU
Azerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied ArtsakhAzerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied Artsakh
Zatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEUZatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEU
Basic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFABasic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFA
Oppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTOOppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTO
Foreign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to AzerbaijanForeign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to Azerbaijan
Foreign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month agoForeign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month ago
Statue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in MarseilleStatue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in Marseille
Armenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los AngelesArmenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los Angeles
Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan 
Turkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperationTurkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperation
Senior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  AnkaraSenior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  Ankara
Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement  Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement
Our main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei SergeenkoOur main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei Sergeenko
AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year 
Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker 
European Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and ArmeniaEuropean Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and Armenia
Armenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirementsArmenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirements
Artsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authoritiesArtsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authorities
4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister
Defense Minister: Defense Minister: "Nobody gave the order not to open fire"
Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus 
Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO 
Armenia hosting Francophonie Days Armenia hosting Francophonie Days 
Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan 
South Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s prioritiesSouth Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s priorities
Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador 
EU applies anti-Russian EU applies anti-Russian "geopolitical optic" everywhere - Russian  official 
Deployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  HovhannisyanDeployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  Hovhannisyan
Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality 
PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1
Pashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with MoscowPashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with Moscow
Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process 
At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh 
Pashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in KarabakhPashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in Karabakh
Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan 
Yerevan is ready to expand its agenda with BrusselsYerevan is ready to expand its agenda with Brussels
Soviet Encyclopedia `to help` Pashinyan; Armenia`s territory is less  than 29,800 sq. km.Soviet Encyclopedia `to help` Pashinyan; Armenia`s territory is less  than 29,800 sq. km.
Yerevan is working to return prisoners from Baku, although at times  it looks like `Sisyphean task` - PashinyanYerevan is working to return prisoners from Baku, although at times  it looks like `Sisyphean task` - Pashinyan
If Armenia`s borders are If Armenia`s borders are "red line" for CSTO, let them demonstrate it  - Pashinyan
Pashinyan specifies timeframe of Armenia`s new Constitution  referendum Pashinyan specifies timeframe of Armenia`s new Constitution  referendum 
Read more




Commented