Amulsar Project Construction Kicks off
The official launch ceremony of the Amulsar gold project’s construction took place in Vayots Dzor.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Levon Yolyan, Economy Minister Artsvik Minasyan, World Bank Armenia director Laura Bailey, IMF Armenia director Theresa Daban Sanchez, US Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Richard Mills and UK Ambassador H.E. Judith Farnworth.
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan said the government has assisted the project from the very first day and expressed confidence in its success. “We passed a long path, we also had objective and subjective difficulties, but the important thing is today’s launch of the construction, for which I am very happy, as head of government. In conditions of decreasing foreign investments the launch of this large project is important. I would like to welcome the participation of prestigious international financial institutions – International Financial Corporation and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. I am convinced the Amulsar project will create new opportunities of development for Armenia’s economy,” the PM said.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Lydian International Mr. Howard Stevenson congratulated all interested parties on the occasion of the launch of a new and important stage of the Amulsar project, thanked the government of Armenia, nearby communities and heads of diplomatic representations for trust and continuous support.
“I am sure that your desire is to see various and better mining project in Armenia. I would like to assure that we will do everything to show that it is possible to work in another way, that mining can be responsible, safe and can benefit nearby communities.
We, along with all of you, will realize this in the upcoming 12 months”, he said. Amulsar is the largest international investment in Armenia. The 2016-2018 construction’s capital expenses will total 370 million dollars. Lydian Armenia will employ 700 people during 10 years of mining.
