“This did not come directly from the tailings. The tailings leaked as a result of an accident in the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine’s pipelines that lead to Artsvanik. This water spilled into the Voghji river,” Minister of Environment Erik Grigoryan told journalists after a session of government.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during the government session that an emergency situation has developed in the Syunik region. Water is spilling into the Voghji river as a result of a leak. According to Erik Grigoryan, it became apparent later on that the leakage took place in the tailings near the Zangezur Combine in Kajaran.
The minister said that the investigative body is taking samples from the river. It is not clear yet what damage this has caused to the environment. Grigoryan said that the investigative body will make an announcement regarding the volume of pollution and the amount of damage.
Erik Grigoryan said, “According to environmental legislation, the funds set aside for water pollution are pitiful. So, we are currently reviewing that system to increase the funds. There were accidents in the past and the amount of damage was calculated. The funds were used to cover the damage.”
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When asked about how much water was leaked and if the danger was eliminated when the pipelines were soldered, the minister said that he does not believe water will leak from a closed pipe anymore.
He also said that similar accidents happen frequently. The ones responsible are the business owners.
Lusine Budaghyan
