ArmInfo. Lydian Armenia is ready for dialogue exclusively within the framework of the law. The company reports, that from September 1 in the area of the Amulsar field the security services changed due to the expiration of the contract with the previous security service.
According to Lydian, yesterday a group of 10-15 people illegally operating in the Amulsar area tried to to prevent the entry of new security guards into the field, tried to provoke a security organization, deliberately damaging the company's property by placing nails under the tires of cars. "We believe that desperate manifestations of such hooliganism and unlawfulness are the best evidence that this group does not enjoy the support of society. As we reported yesterday, the illegal group has threatened "bloodshed" with hundreds of community members who want to work under the program. In our opinion, this behavior is a consequence of more than two years of tolerance of the relevant authorities towards unlawfulness and permissiveness. Yesterday, in our estimation, the police did not perform their functions properly, and did not prevent unlawfulness. The security service, however, did not succumb to the provocations and entered the territory of Amulsar, avoiding clashes. Lydian will use all means within the law to ensure the safety of the community's residents working on the territory of the field. We call on the police to take measures to prosecute those who call for physical violence and hooliganism, "the company said. At the same time, Lydian Armenia informs that, contrary to expectations, it will not negotiate illegal actions, will offer no "solutions" outside the law, will not succumb to the constant provocations of an impunity group that keeps nearby communities in an atmosphere of fear. The only thing the company is ready to talk about with everyone is restoring the law around Amulsar and in these communities, ensuring their safety and cooperation for the peaceful well-being of the community.
To note, environmental activists oppose the development of the deposit, believing that it can cause irreparable damage to the flora and fauna of the entire region. For a long time they have been blocking all approaches to Amulsar, preventing them from expanding the scope of work.
The Amulsar field is the second largest in Armenia. According to the company, the deposit contains about 73,733 kg of gold with an average grade of 0.78 g per tonne, and 294.367 tonnes of silver with an average grade of 9.29 grams per tonne. It is located in the southeast of the country, 13 km from the resort town of Jermuk, between the Arpa and Vorotan rivers. Environmentalists and ordinary citizens are concerned that the exploitation of the mine may lead to the pollution of the mineral underground waters of Jermuk and Lake Sevan. In addition to the water basin, the public is also concerned about the possible presence of uranium reserves at the deposit. The total cost of the Amulsar project is $ 370 million. The life of the deposit is 10 years and 4 months, with an average annual production of 200 thousand ounces of gold planned. To add, Lydian Armenia, which develops the mine, is a subsidiary of the British offshore Lydian International.
