“New circumstances emerged during video-call with ELARD”, PM says on Amulsar project

After holding a Skype call with experts from the ELARD audit company over their Environmental Impact Assessment conclusion in the Amulsar gold mine, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said several new circumstances have emerged during the videoconference which require examination and assessment.

“Yesterday’s discussion also contained important information: to answer the question whether or not the Amulsar gold mine project requires a new Environmental Impact Assessment. Let me remind that the Ministry of Environment must give a conclusion by September 4,” the PM wrote on Facebook and posted a video of the Skype call.

On August 19th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Government intends to allow Lydian International to continue the Amulsar project. The decision was based on the conclusion of an environmental audit conducted by ELARD. Pashinyan emphasized that the project will be operated strictly in adherence to high environmental standards.

But on August 21 the PM requested the Ministry of Environment to study the conclusion and determine whether or not another Environmental Impact Assessment is required before a final decision is made.

The Ministry of Environment will issue a conclusion until September 4th.

The Amulsar Project is a gold mining project by Lydian Armenia, the Armenian subsidiary of Lydian International.