Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hakob Simidyan, announced that Lydian Armenia holds all the necessary permits to operate the Amulsar gold mine. Speaking at a press conference summarizing the ministry’s 2024 activities, Simidyan affirmed that two Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) have been conducted, confirming the mine’s compliance with regulatory requirements.

“All permits required for the Amulsar mine are in place, and there are no legal or administrative grounds to halt its operation,” Simidyan stated, referencing studies that validate the mine’s readiness.

Simidyan acknowledged potential environmental risks associated with subsoil use but emphasized that modern technologies can minimize environmental harm. “If any activity may impact nature, we conduct an impact assessment. Based on the findings, conditions are set, and taxes are collected to subsidize efforts to reduce harm to the environment and public health,” he explained.

The minister assured that any violations during the mine’s operations would be met with government intervention.

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan revealed that financing negotiations for the mine’s operation are ongoing. After the Eurasian Development Bank declined to fund the project, discussions have shifted to local commercial banks. Papoyan expressed optimism that the Amulsar mine could commence operations in 2025.