Environmentalist: Mining companies operating in Armenia poisoning South Caucasus’ ecology

The activities of 26 companies engaged in the mining industry in Armenia are accompanied by environmental pollution and water contamination, Sabit Baghirov, co-founder of the Environmental Protection First Coalition, told a briefing on how Armenia's illegal mining activities are poisoning the ecology of Azerbaijan and the entire South Caucasus, Report informs.

According to Baghirov, the activities of 12 companies located in West Zangazur negatively affect not only the territory of Armenia but also the Karabakh region.

He noted that according to information published in the Armenian press, the Okhchuchay River is particularly at high risk of pollution:

"There are many articles on this issue in the Armenian press. Analysis of these articles shows that companies typically respond to criticism and anger from local populations and environmental organizations, meet with them, and somehow resolve tensions with protesters. Often this is achieved by compensating the population for damages or eliminating obvious causes and consequences of environmental pollution. Donations and gifts to local communities and individuals are also part of mining companies' practices. In 2020 and 2021, these payments amounted to 3.7 billion drams ($9.55 million) and 2 billion drams ($5.2 million), respectively."

Baghirov stated that various foundations and NGOs operating in Armenia also receive financial support from mining companies:

"In 2020-2021, foundations alone received financial assistance amounting to 10.6 billion drams ($27 million). During this period, various NGOs received approximately 902 million drams ($2,33 million) in financial support for their projects."

He noted that Armenia remains a country that has not joined the UN Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes:

"Azerbaijan has joined this convention and fulfills its obligations. If a peace treaty is signed, one of the first requirements should be for Armenia to ratify this document."