Amulsar mine operator to provide $7–9 million annually to three communities, $5 million for Jermuk National Park
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The three communities near the Amulsar gold mine will receive $7–9 million annually, Gnel Sanosyan, the Armenian government’s representative on the board of directors of Lydian Armenia, the mine’s operator, has said.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the launch of operations at the Amulsar gold mine, Sanosyan said that Lydian Armenia has also committed to allocating $5 million toward the establishment of Jermuk National Park.
According to Sanosyan, the company, the Government and the three affected communities — Jermuk, Vayk and Sisian — recently clarified the terms for implementing the community support program.
“Not only was it clarified that the communities would receive $7 million to $9 million annually, but the program’s methodology, areas of focus and working format were also clarified. We believe this is extremely important,” Sanosyan said.
He emphasized the involvement of regional administrations and municipal authorities in the joint work, highlighting the importance of the agreements reached for the development of the communities in the coming years.
Addressing environmental matters, Sanosyan said that the national park establishment project was already underway to some extent. According to him, the company’s planned $5 million contribution would go toward the initiative, which covers numerous important environmental areas.
Sanosyan also thanked the government agencies and partners involved in implementing the project, noting that the launch of operations at the mine had been preceded by extensive work, numerous difficulties and problems that had at times seemed insurmountable.
“Our goal is to set an entirely new standard for mining in Armenia. I am confident that our team is determined to make this happen, and we will do so,” he concluded.