ArmInfo. After a large-scale military aggression by the Azerbaijani armed forces on the night of September 13, the activity of the Sotk gold mine was stopped. Governor of Gegharkunik region Karen Sargsyan announced this to journalists on September 29 during a study visit of foreign diplomats to familiarize themselves with the consequences of the Azerbaijani attack on peaceful settlements.
<The mine has only been idle for three days. Now it functions at 40%, that is, about 40% of employees are at work, whose safety is fully ensured. However, many employees fear for their lives because of the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces>, the governor said.
The Sotk gold mine is operated by GeoProMining Group of Companies. It is the largest gold deposit in Armenia. The company also manages the Ararat gold recovery plant in Armenia. The mine is located on the border of Gegharkunik region and Karvachar region. After the hostilities of 2020, the border passed right along the mine (part of it came under the control of Azerbaijan).
It should be noted that representatives of the diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia paid a visit to the Gegharkunik region, where they were presented with the consequences of the shelling of peaceful settlements by the armed forces of Azerbaijan. The diplomats were accompanied by RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan and Gegharkunik Region Governor Karen Sargsyan.
