Hanqasar copper and molybdenum deposit (2011)
Hanqasar copper and molybdenum deposit
Risk Level: 3
| Parameter | Data | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cu, mg/kg soil | 3410 | 3 |
| Mo, mg/kg soil | 1416 | 3 |
| S, mg/kg, soil | 7896 | 3 |
| Disastrous Condition | Critical Condition | Normal Condition |
Hanqasar Copper and Molybdenum Mine Causes Disastrous Condition for Environment and Health
EcoLur
The reserves of Hanqasar copper and molybdenum mine, which have been estimated as a result of in-detailed prospecting of the sole mining zone in Central area and submitted for confirmation, made up as follows: ore – 3983 thousand tons, molybdenum – 6677 tons. Copper – 17387 tons, out of which the State Reserve Committee has confirmed:
· ore 2762.4 thousand tons,
· molybdenum – 5640.8 tons, average concentration – 0.204%,
· copper – 13582.3 tons, average concentration – 0.49%.
The reserves of relevant elements make up as follows: rhenium – 988.3 kg, gold -1925.9 kg, and silver-27.815 tons, sulfur- 31450 tons (average concentration of sulphur in ore made up 1.14%).
The mine is located in Kapan area, not far from Kazan Lake mine, at absolute height from 2000 to 2600.
These data are taken from the book by Hrachya Avagyan, Chief Specialist at the Institute of Economics of NAS RA, Dr in Geological Sciences, entitled “Ways and Prospects of Mining and Metallurgical Industries in the Republic of Armenia” (Yerevan 2011, “Gitutyun” Publishing House, Institute of Economics of NAS RA).
The mine territory, which contains all the aforementioned elements and metals in powder, poses high risks for environment and health. Under EcoLur’s Ecological Risk Model, the mine hazard category is 3, i.e. disastrous due to copper, molybdenum and sulfur.
Under the official information provided by Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, as of 01.07.2013 the right to soil management of Hanqasar copper and molybdenum mine for mining has been issued to “Ler-Ex” LLC.