VIDEO: Acid Streams in Kapan

In recent days, it has become strikingly evident what happens in areas where metallic mines have been exploited and are currently being operated.

The Armenian Environmental Front, a civil initiative, issued a statement saying:

“The photographs (1, 2) and video footage taken from a bird's-eye view in Kapan have shown the catastrophic state resulting from the waste, dump heaps, and abandoned mines caused by mining operations after rainfall. The Voghji River flowing through Kapan has also taken on a vivid yellow-brown hue.

Watch this aerial footage captured on May 31.

For several decades, the Shahumyan gold-multi-metal mine has been exploited underground in Kapan, and the open pit near the Kavar neighborhood has been operational for over a hundred years, alongside the Central mine (Lenhank), which is now completely abandoned and neglected. Rainwater washes away the acidic materials from these mines and their numerous waste heaps, flowing through the streets of Kapan and the tributaries of the Voghji River, eventually filling the Voghji River.

The Armenian Environmental Front (AEF) addressed the history of the abandoned Kavar mine back in 2015, raising alarm about the existing issues. In May 2017, AEF further examined the problem, taking samples from the water flowing into the Voghji River via the Kavar stream. The results of the laboratory tests of the water samples were shockingly alarming and confirmed our worst fears. According to them, the acidity of the water—measured by pH (the hydrogen indicator of the water)—had shifted from a characteristic neutral environment of 7 to a highly acidic environment of 3.22. This, in turn, caused a tremendous increase in the concentration of heavy and hazardous metals and various ions in the water. These levels exceeded the established ecological norms by dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of times.

This is a classic example of the acidic drainage from metallic mines, which is a serious and unmanageable ecological problem that inevitably arises during the operation of all sulfide metallic deposits, continuing for hundreds of years. This video showcases the extremely dangerous acidic drainage formed as a result of metallic mining operations in Kavar.

In 2017, AEF appealed to the previous government, suggesting the decontamination of areas polluted by metallic mining operations. The application also highlighted the issues in Kapan and Kavar. However, the response received from the Ministry of Environment of Armenia at that time indicated that decision-makers were only occupied with paperwork and had no intention of taking any effective action.

By 2019, our partners conducted an investigation into an acidic stream that has been flowing through Kapan for decades, near residential areas, causing various inconveniences for residents. The waters of this stream also exhibited high acidity and unacceptably high concentrations of heavy metals. Surveys revealed that the state is considered the actual responsible party, while mining companies bear no accountability.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efw4A2rxNNg

It is no secret that previous governments of Armenia have turned a blind eye for years to the ecological and health issues arising from the exploitation of metallic mines. It is also no secret that mining companies have polluted the natural environment almost with impunity during these same years. As noted in one of the articles published by the investigative journalists at “HETQ”, “Kavar is the answer to those who trumpet responsible mining.”

There was hope that the new government of Armenia would change its approach and be more consistent regarding similar issues. However, the verbal promises aimed at addressing the various issues in mining by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan remain unfulfilled, as other arms of the government are still not prepared for those changes. Kapan is naturally not the only example, as the negative consequences of metallic mining operations across all mining areas in Armenia impact the natural environment and public health in one way or another. Numerous facts have been documented over the years and there are also significant scientific studies.

To those advocating for new metallic mines to be opened in Amulsar and throughout Armenia, we urge you to carefully observe the images and videos presented in this article, familiarize yourselves with the scientific studies, and seek real solutions to these and other issues before calculating the benefits of mining and the so-called “investments” made to open them.

The photographs distributed by AEF reveal that acidic streams flow through the streets of Kapan after rainfall.