Artsvik Minasyan urged to control emotions when discussing "Amulsar" project

ArmInfo. Armenia's Nature Protection Minister Artsvik Minasyan urged to control emotions at the discussions of operation of Amulsar gold mining, he stated about this in a talk with journalists on November 2.

The Minister stressed that discussions were held yesterday on the issue with representatives of NGOs, during which he did not heard any serious reasons for concerns. He also noted that the Amulsar is one of the most discussed projects. "However, any criticism and statements should be based on common sense. No manipulations with people's emotions are acceptable during the discussion of this issue", he noted.

Minasyan also noted that the examinations conducted by now have not revealed anything illegal. "This is a large investment project and it should be discussed carefully", he stated noting that there are some nature protectors, who do not feel responsible for their statements.

To note, Amulsar is the largest industrial project in Armenia on gold deposit development, the cost of which is $370 mln.  In August this year official ceremony of the project launch was held. The preparation work has been held since 2006. The term of operation is 10 years and 4 months, it is planned to get 200 thousand ounces of gold annually. The Amulsar project envisages creation of 1,300 jobs in the course of construction and 650- 700 jobs throughout the entire operation of the mine within the next 10 years. The key shareholders of the company are IFC and EBRD. The company's shares are traded in Toronto stock exchange. Amulsar is the second largest gold deposit in Armenia.