Mining Company Defends Itself Against Opposition Environmentalists’ Concerns

Geoteam CJSC, which is exploiting the Amulsar gold mine in southern Armenia, in a statement issued today said it doesn’t agree with the assessment of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) Environmental Affairs Committee.

“On Feb. 21, the Armenian National Congress Environmental Affairs Committee, not providing any justification, called Amulsar mine exploitation ‘unacceptable’. It is surprising that a political group makes such a statement, adopting the stance of a judge. We believe that HAK’s Environmental Affairs Committee at least had to examine the research and conclusions of local and foreign environmental experts, which are available on our site www.geoteam.am.

“If after becoming acquainted with these materials, HAK’s experts continue to consider our project ‘unacceptable’, we are prepared to invite them to a public debate — with the participation of the public and the media,” reads the statement.

The mining company notes that the Amulsar Gold Project is carried out in strict accordance to and consistent with the norms of environmental legislation of the Republic of Armenia. Geoteam stresses that since 2006, it has invested $30 million USD into Armenia and will invest an additional $52 million USD this year. In addition, Geoteam has provided jobs to the residents of the communities surrounding Amulsar and implemented several social programs, “changing people’s mindset and attitude toward life.”

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