Akhtala mining and concentration complex's activity spells an environmental disaster

 The activity of the Akhtala mining and concentration complex owned by Metal Prince spells a real environmental disaster. Recently environmentalists and journalists
have visited Lori region of Armenia and saw the waste from the development of Shamlugh complex deposit falling right into the gorge, on the trees and bushes. The development of the Ayrum tailing dump also triggers questions: its territory is not fenced and the local residents tend the cattle a few meters from the tailing dump and pick culinary herbs. Both the residents and local administrations point out the release of tailings into the rivers, which are used for irrigation.        

During a meeting with journalists, Mayor of Akhtala Haykaz Khachikyan confirmed the information that the tailings of the Akhtala mining and concentration complex are regularly released into the river.  Khachikyan said that the River Akhtala is already rich in heavy metals. The mayor added that the tailings also pollute the river as a result of industrial accidents.  

When speaking to ArmInfo's correspondent, Sahak Nazaryan, Head of the Mets Ayrum Administration, pointed at the environmental risks. To note, the Ayrum tailing dump is only 100 meters from the rural community. "If the tailing dump continues being filled at such rates, the only drinking water source of our village will be endangered", he said. Nazaryan said that the water of the tailing dump mixes with the irrigation water.

Head of the Green Union of Armenia Hakob Sanasaryan told ArmInfo that Metal Prince, the owner of the complex, is developing the Shamlugh deposit through the open pit method, thereby destroying forestry. He said that the company lacks Shamlugh community's permit to develop the deposit through the open pit method. So, the development can be considered illegal, he said.   

Environmentalist Knarik Hovhannisyan pointed out the risk of contamination of ground waters with heavy metals. The fact that the company is throwing its waste into the gorge is certainly harmful for the flora and fauna, she said.  

To recall, on 17 November 2011 Serob Ter-Poghosyan, President of Metal Prince Corporation, Director General of the Akhtala mining and concentration complex, was sentenced to 15 years in jail for sexual abuse against minors. Now the complex is managed by his wife Madlen Tashchyan.