Armenian Village Mayor Withdraws Permission to Mining Company to Build Tailing Dump

Hakob Mkrtchyan, head of the Melikgyugh rural community in Aragatsotn marz (province), yesterday called a special council meeting to discuss the construction of the third tailing dump of Mego-Gold LLC's Tukhmanuk gold mine, reports local daily Zhoghovurd.  

Melikgyugh residents have repeatedly protested against construction of the tailing dump, arguing that there are already serious health and environmental problems in the village as a result of the mining.

The mining company, the newspaper reports, held public hearings on Feb. 10, which, however, had a low turnout. The hearings were a cause of concern for the community, and for this reason, the village council and village mayor decided to suspend the discussions until relevant companies conduct in-depth research. 

"At the moment we are reviewing our decision because we were unfamiliar with the program. When I became acquainted with certain aspects of this program, I saw the extent of the threat posed to our village. After the council meeting I will call the company director and tell him to cancel tomorrow's discussion and move it to the village. Until a dozen relevant companies express their opinion on the matter, I won't give permission. This is horrible because there is an expected high risk," Mkrtchyan informed the newspaper.