EcoLur
Tezhsar nepheline-syenites are accompanied with uranium and other radioactive elements, nevertheless, the project of Tezhsar opencast mine development submitted for the opinion of the environmental expertise by “Alumina Corporation” LLC doesn’t say a word about these words. The Chairman of the Greens of Armenia Hakob Sanasaryan calls attention to the radiation risks of Tezhsar project, “I would like to ask the project developers why they keep silent about the main issues?”
The problem of Tezhsar mine refers not only to aluminum, but also uranium, which is found in this territory, as the archives say, uranium accompanies nepheline-syenites.
Armenia has 4 zones with the reserves of radioactive mines, and Tezhsar zone is the second largest one containing 0.86% uranium, as well as thorium and other elements.
The height of Tezhsar mine is about 3000 meters, a plant is planned to be constructed there, to conduct flotation and accumulate tails. All this will gradually slip down.
And then, if to speak about project affected area, Armash should also be included, where one of the largest drainage areas is located. When Alumina Corporation Company was issued the license for mine development, Nature Protection Ministry was well aware what it was like, as the Ministry has all archive documents.
If uranium is brought to surface, it becomes aggressive and enters into reaction under the influence of air and moisture, meanwhile Pambak, Debet and Aghstev Rivers are formed on the Tezhsar. Here you can find the only hydrological reserve – Hanqavan.
If water gets polluted on the surface, what will happen with these waters and springs? Here pollution with heavy metals and uranium...” Sanasaryan said.
Nature Protection Ministry turned out to accept for consideration such a project, where the Environmental Impact assessment contradicts to the archive materials of the Ministry itself in regard with the reserves of radioactive raw materials.
January 10, 2013 at 11:25