At a recent briefing organised by the Environmental Protection First NGO Coalition, Amin Mammadov, chairman of the Water Use Specialists Public Union, raised significant concerns regarding the environmental impact of Armenia’s mining industry. He highlighted that the repercussions of mining activities extend beyond Armenia, affecting neighbouring countries through pollution of transboundary rivers. Mammadov pointed out that waste from Armenia’s mining operations infiltrates groundwater, leading to environmental degradation in the wider region, particularly impacting Azerbaijan as a downstream country in the Caucasus.
Specific areas of concern include quarries in Alaverdi and Syunik, which have been identified as major contributors to groundwater pollution. Mammadov emphasised that the volume of water released from Lake Goycha (Sevan) to meet irrigation needs has significantly surpassed historical natural flow levels. This situation raises alarms about the potential drying up of the lake, which could have dire consequences for its biodiversity.
Mammadov also criticised the Armenian government’s lack of compliance with the Espoo Convention, a crucial UN framework for environmental impact assessments in transboundary contexts. He noted that Armenia fails to ensure transparency and does not provide necessary environmental impact assessment reports to neighbouring countries, violating its obligations under the Convention. This lack of communication and accountability exacerbates the environmental risks posed by mining activities.
Additionally, Mammadov expressed concerns regarding the continued operation of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, a relic from the Soviet era, which poses further environmental and safety risks. The combination of these factors highlights the urgent need for improved environmental governance and cooperation in the region to mitigate the adverse effects of mining on both Armenia and its neighbours.
