Foreign eco-activists condemn Armenia's metallurgical plant construction

The construction of a metallurgical plant in Arazdeyan could create a serious public health crisis in Azerbaijan and Armenia, Kenyan eco-activist Peter Ngola said.

He pointed out that civil society organisations are against the construction of the plant, because the consequences of such enterprises are not limited only to the region where they operate, but are a threat to the entire planet, APA reports.

"The potential impact of toxic chemical waste from a metallurgical plant on the local ecosystem is enormous. This environmental impact will definitely affect flora and fauna, soil, air, and water structures in addition to human health. There is also a scary possibility that these wastes will be discharged into the Araz River. In addition to destroying the creatures living in this river, it creates legitimate concern for large farms that use it for irrigation. Damage to the drinking water supply can lead to the spread of infectious diseases in border villages. Therefore, the construction of this plant could potentially create a serious public health crisis for both Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the eco-activist noted.

Peter Ngola stresesd that the damages done by the metallurgy plant will be greater than its financial gains: Financial gains should not be more important than human health.

“All investments put in this project means potentially endangering human lives. Armenia is one of the sides who signed the Aarhus Convention, so they should create an opening for the plant’s activity information to the communities concerned and should let them participate in making a decision as part of their responsibility.

We demand Armenia to create an environment conducive to the active participation of civil society organisations and local communities in the dialogue and decision-making processes related to the construction of this large steel plant. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide an important framework for promoting responsible behaviour in business, including the mining industry.

These principles emphasise the need for companies to preserve human rights, prevent the negative influence on the environment, and transparent and inclusive connections with affected organizations. We urge all the interested parties who participate in building a metallurgy plant in Arazdayan to adapt their activity with these principles and integrate them into their operating experiences,” he finalised.

Similarly, American eco-activist Maryam Danesh noted the importance for countries to review and adhere to international agreements in order to stand well in the global arena and ensure environmental sustainability.

According to her, Armenia's commissioning of the metallurgical plant in Arazdeyan, on the border with Azerbaijan, may cause a number of negative environmental effects.

"The construction and operation of a metallurgical plant on the border with Azerbaijan by Armenia may cause a number of negative environmental effects. These include air and water pollution from factory emissions and waste, deforestation during the construction process, habitat destruction, and the release of potentially hazardous substances into the environment. There are a number of international agreements and conventions on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Armenia's participation in these conventions entails its obligation to observe the principles and rules. If Armenia violates these international conventions, it will have to face potential consequences both inside the country and abroad. This may lead to diplomatic consequences for Armenia, strained relations with other countries and damage to its reputation on a global scale. In order to take a good position in the global arena and ensure environmental sustainability, it is very important for countries to review and comply with international agreements," Danesh said.

Since 2022, a large Armenian-American metallurgical plant with an investment of $70 million is being built in the village of Yeraskh (Arazdwyan).

The construction is carried out very close to the borders of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (the distance is about 700-800 metres).