Amulsar exploitation to result in inevitable consequences: geologist

Geologist Shahen Khachatryan says there are no legal grounds for banning Amulsar mine exploitation but claims that it will result in inevitable consequences.

“I do not know who will bear responsibility if negative phenomena come up there. In any case the majority of the scholars who studied the issue objectively, came to conclusion that the exploitation will create inevitable consequences,” Khachatryan said, speaking to Aysor.am.

He said the measures intended by the company will smooth some issues but if it appears that Jermuk and other regional mineral waters get polluted it is not clear who will be responsible for it.

“Lydian will exploit the mine for 10 years and leave Armenia. The waters will be polluted at least in ten years. During their activity here no serious changes will take place,” Shahen Khachatryan said.

The geologist said that as far as the mistake has already been made and the company has been allowed to use the mine, nothing is left but to follow the mine be exploited in a way promised by company representatives.

“Now and in the upcoming ten years we will not see pollution as it will not be seen. In ten years this poison will be disseminated in the environment. Part of Jermuk drinking water is in Amulsar mines, it is not proved that they are not endangered. Lydian’s documents do not convince us,” he said.

He said he teaches his students that mines must be revealed and exploited but in this case he is against Amulsar exploitation as in that region it is inadmissible.

“It is incompatible. If we want our tourism or healthcare complex and Jermuk brand to exchange with some temporary things, let them do that. The future fate of this beautiful and cozy corner is unknown, as the impact is not assessed either,” the geologist said.