Mining companies in Armenia causing environmental harm with global backing Azerbaijani coalition says

Co-founder of Azerbaijan’s "Environmental Protection First" Coalition Sabit Baghirov has said that the companies operating in Armenia's mining sector and causing environmental damage have international partners.

Baghirov made these remarks in Baku during a briefing on Armenia's illegal mining activities and their impact on the ecology of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He emphasised that this unlawful activity in Armenia, which leads to environmental degradation in the region, is supported by the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and other countries.

He also noted that the activities of 26 mining companies in Armenia are resulting in significant water pollution and overall environmental degradation.

Baghirov highlighted that 12 of these companies operating in Western Zangezur are adversely affecting not only Armenian territory but also the Karabakh region.

“The Okhchuchay river is at particularly high risk of contamination. However, these companies are negotiating with protesters by offering compensation for damages and addressing visible causes and consequences of environmental pollution, or they resort to bribing complainants,” he said.

The co-founder of the coalition noted that various funds and NGOs operating in Armenia also receive financial support from mining companies. As opposed to Azerbaijan, Armenia has not joined the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.

"Azerbaijan has joined this convention and is fulfilling its obligations. If a peace agreement is reached, one of the first requirements should be Armenia's approval of this document," he stated.

Moreover, another co-founder of the coalition Amin Mammadov said that mining activities in Armenia should be subjected to mandatory monitoring.

He highlighted that in summer 2023, reports emerged about the construction of a metallurgical plant in Arazdeyen, Armenia. In response, Azerbaijani non-governmental organisations (NGOs) prepared a joint statement to express their protest against.

"As a result of the efforts, the construction of the plant was postponed. The Azerbaijani civil society continued monitoring the situation in the historically Azerbaijani territories. According to the information provided to our coalition by Azercosmos in August 2023, it was revealed that non-ferrous metals are mined in over 20 districts of Armenia near the border with Azerbaijan," he emphasised.

Mammadov stated that international investors are primarily involved in this illegal activity. 

"This has greatly harmed the ecology of the Caucasus. These companies must recognize their responsibility and refrain from participating in projects that could damage the region's environment," he noted.

He reminded that as part of the Great Return programme, former displaced people are returning to the areas near Armenia. 

"Therefore, we continue our research on the environmental impact on local residents. The territories where Armenia conducts mining operations must be subject to mandatory monitoring. It is also crucial to involve Azerbaijani specialists in this monitoring process," the expert emphasised.

He added that Armenia must fulfill its commitments.

By Naila Huseynova