The Guilt Lies with the Copper-Molybdenum Plant: Grigoryan on the Tailings Pipeline Accident

There was a leak from the pipeline of the tailings dam of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine in the Arzvyanik area, and the runoff has entered the Voghji River, but not directly from the tailings dam.

This was noted by Environmental Minister Erik Grigoryan in a conversation with journalists after a government meeting. According to him, employees from the Environmental and Food Inspection Authority have taken samples, and the Health Inspectorate is also on-site. “Everyone will do their part. Environmental legislation defines the level of penalties and the amount of damage compensation, which will be calculated and presented,” said the minister.

He added that the pipeline blockage is closed, and he believes that there is no more leakage. “The volumes of pollution and the degree of damage should be assessed by the regulatory authority within the framework of procedures and according to existing legislation,” the minister stated.

He further noted that current legislation provides for very insignificant amounts for compensation for water pollution. “We are currently reviewing that system; it will be increased significantly. There have been accidents before; damages have been calculated, let's say, 500,000 drams, and that’s how it was settled,” said Erik Grigoryan.

Grigoryan mentioned that this pipeline runs for dozens of kilometers from Kajar to the tailings dam in Arzvyanik. “Perhaps there are ongoing renovations, but such accidents happen periodically. Of course, the fault lies with the factory,” he concluded.