The expert group of ELARD company headed by the RA IC Chief of Administration Aram Nikoyan and Head of Department of Investigation of Corruption-Related Crimes, Crimes against Property and Cybercrimes Yura Ivanyan on March 29 left for Amulsar gold mine.

The expert group has studied the procedures of ore heap leaching and gold extraction, as well as intermediate processing.

Group members also got acquainted with mine location settings, physical-mechanical properties of rocks, as well as hydro-geological conditions of the mine.

The expert group of ELARD also visited the laboratory for rock testing, geological sampling and preparation where the degree of acidification of rocks is tested to prevent the possible impact to the environment to be caused by interaction of rainwater and rocks with a high degree of acidification.

We remind that on November 8, 2018 within the criminal case investigated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee prequalification process of international independent study for assessment of environmental and social impact of Amulsar Gold Mine exploitation was announced.

Several international professional companies had submitted applications for tender. As a result, preference was given to «Earth Link & Advanced Resources Development» (ELARD) which signed a contract with Investigative Committee on carrying out the comprehensive study commissioned within the criminal case investigated in IC General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases to assess the risks of environmental impact during exploitation and post-exploitation of Amulsar Gold Mine, as well as to study the assessment reports on environmental and social impact made for the mine exploitation.

It was earlier informed that a criminal case was initiated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee on willful concealing of information about pollution of environment by officials of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection.

A report was received in the RA Investigative Committee from a citizen on pollution of environment related to exploitation of mine of gold-bearing quartzite of Amulsar by “Lydian Armenia” CJSC.

It was found out that “Geoteam” CJSC which later was renamed as “Lydian Armenia” CJSC submitted to “Environmental Impact Assessment Center” SNCO of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection  a report on environmental impact assessment of Amulsar gold mine project located at the administrative area of the RA Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces. Based on it, on April 29, 2016 a positive conclusion of environmental impact was given by the mentioned SNCO.

Whereas, during preparation of materials data were obtained on the allegation that the relevant officials of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection being informed about dangerous risks of chemical pollution of environment in case the mentioned mine complex is exploited, willfully concealed from the population the information about pollution of environment with chemical materials dangerous for people’s life and health.

Considering that in the prepared materials there are apparent crime elements envisaged by the Part 1 of the Article 282 of RA Criminal Code today a criminal case was initiated in the RA IC General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases. An investigatory plan has been worked out and necessary investigatory actions are conducted to provide the comprehensive, complete and objective investigation of the case.