SHIKAHOGH RESERVE SURROUNDED BY MINING SITES

ArmInfo
2008-11-03 17:39:00

ArmInfo. Shikahogh Reserve is surrounded by mining sites. ArmInfo
correspondent was told that to hold geological exploration some company
has taken on lease land plots of four villages of Syunik region –
Tsav, Srashen, Tchakat and Shikahogh. The rent makes up 4 thsd AMD
per hectare. According to preliminary information, over 1700 ha are
leased out for 4 years.

"This company’s representatives haven’t applied to us personally. But
we were instructed by the administration of Syunik region to give our
lands for geological exploration. The relevant agreement was concluded
a week ago", Head of the rural community Shikahogh Gegham Kazaryan
said. According to him, from Shikahogh 2 plots with the total area
of 850 ha have been leased, 509 ha of them are lands of agricultural
designation. The second plot is situated outside the territory of
Shikahog community and neighbors on Shikahogh Reserve. Kazaryan says
that in early XX a group of French miners searched copper here. "I
have heard that there is a uranium deposit near the village of Tsav
but I can’t say if this is true. According to rumors, some people
came here in search of uranium in 2007," says Kazaryan.

Director of Shikahogh Reserve Ruben Lazarian does not think that
prospecting activities pose any threat to the reserve. All the
plots are outside the buffer zone no less than 3 km away from the
reserve. "It is just prospecting and I see no danger in it," says
Lazarian.