Shahumyan gold and polymetallic deposit (2009)
Shahumyan gold and polymetallic deposit
Risk Level: 3
| Parameter | Data | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cu, mg/kg soil | 6171 | 3 |
| Pb, mg/kg soil | 1463 | 3 |
| Zn, mg/kg soil | 25417 | 3 |
| S, mg/kg, soil | 74729 | 3 |
| Disastrous Condition | Critical Condition | Normal Condition |
Shahumyan Gold-Polymetallic Mine Causing Environmental Disaster
EcoLur
The reserves of Shahumyan gold-polymetallic mine as approved by the USSR State Reserve Committee, as of 01.01.2009, are as follows: ore – 13.766 million tons, copper – 84.95 thousand tons, lead – 20.14 thousand tons, zinc – 349.9 thousand tons, gold – 35990.23 kg, silver – 700.73 tons, cadmium – 3523.96 tons, selenium – 183.43 tons, tellurium – 948.94 tons, gallium – 228.01 tons, indium – 135.54 tons, sulfur - 1028720 tons, iron - 743727 tons.
The mine is located in Kapan area, Syunik Region, in a distance of 4-5 km north-east from Kapan town between Voghji and Khalaj rivers.
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).
Under EcoLur’s Ecological Risk Model, the mine hazard category is 3, i.e. it will cause disastrous condition to human health and environment due to the excessive concentrations of copper, lead, zinc and sulfur.
The right to develop Shahumyan gold-polymetallic mine in closed manner is owned by “Dundee Precious Dundee Metals” CJSC. The company intends to proceed to open pit mining, but the population of Kapan opposes to this project.