The government informs that on Friday, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan attended the kick-off ceremony of the Amulsar Gold Mine construction in Vayots Dzor province.
The Amulsar project is one of the largest investment programs in Armenia, which capital construction (2016-2018) costs will make up $370 mln USD. During a more active period, the program will employ 1300 people, whereas during the 10 years of industry, Lydian Armenia, subsidiary of the British Lydian International Company, will provide 700 workplaces. Amulsar is the first mining program in Armenia, which has carried out Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in line with the standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Welcoming those present, Prime Minister Abrahamyan noted that the Armenian Government constantly pays attention to the need of developing the industrial area, as well as preservation and efficient use of natural resources.
“We attach great attention to the implementation of such a large foreign investment project, which will contribute to the development of mining industry and economic growth. From the very first day we have fully supported the Amulsar project and we are sure that it will be successfully implemented and the mine construction will be completed during the upcoming two years. We have passed a long path, facing objective and subjective difficulties, but the important thing is that the project construction has been launched, for which I am happy as a head of the Government,” Abrahamyan said and attaching importance to the launch of this project.
He also welcomed the participation of authoritative international financial institutions – IFC and EBRD – in the project, expressing confidence that the Amulsar project will open up new opportunities for the Armenian economy, while the new workplaces will contribute to solving the socio-economic issues of the citizens.
Hovik Abrahamyan also underscored the importance of implementing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in line with the leading international standards and mine exploitation by modern technologies.
Chief Executive Officer of Lydian International, Howard Stevenson, congratulated on the launch of the new and most important phase of the Amulsar project and thanked the Armenian Government for the trust and continuous support.
The event was also attended by government members, foreign ambassadors accredited in Armenia, representatives of international institutions and other dignitaries.
Thereafter, Prime Minister Abrahamyan also visited the border Khndzorut community, where he met with the local residents, listened to their problems and responded to a number of issues. The PM stressed that the border communities are in the focus of the Government’s attention and the state will continue implementing programs aimed at the development of infrastructures and opening of new workplaces.
