Amulsar Project
Lydian has been conducting exploration activities at the Amulsar project since 2006 and have employed on average 100 workers from local communities annually during this period. As part of the development process of the project, detailed environmental and social baseline studies are being conducted. The information collected through these baseline studies will be submitted to the Ministry of Nature Protection and other respective institutions as part of the permitting process and will guide the technical design of the project to minimize any possible negative impacts from the project's development.
Baseline Data Collection
Lydian has been collecting baseline data on the project area since 2006. Social baseline data is collected from the communities of Gorayk, Saravan, Saralanj, Ughedzor, Gndevaz and Jermuk. A brief description of the environmental baseline history is provided below:
- 2007 - Surface water samples taken from surrounding rivers – Vorotan and Darb;
- 2008 - Expansion of the environmental baseline study to include top soil and biodiversity studies, additional surface water samples and drinking water samples from Gorayk village. A weather station was also established in the exploration camp area;
- 2009 - The sampling frequency for the various studies was increased and two air monitoring stations were installed (one in the exploration camp and the other in Gorayk village where the sample preparation laboratory is located);
- 2010 - More surface water monitoring points were established and groundwater monitoring wells were drilled, dust monitoring equipment was installed and noise meters have been installed in surrounding communities.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
The Company so far has completed 2 National Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s). The first was conducted in 2009 in order to support its Mining License application. The second EIA was completed in 2010 to assess the impact of exploration activities at Amulsar. In 2010 Lydian commenced a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS). Wardell Armstrong International (WAI) was contracted to undertake this study. In parallel to the BFS, WAI will also complete an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) according to National, International and IFC standards. The ESIA study first required a scoping stage to identify any gaps in the current program. This is now complete and has been provided in report format. Completion of the ESIA is expected in the second quarter of 2012.
Community
Lydian realises that it is operating in environments with different cultures, lifestyles and heritage and so is developing the management of community relationships based on full transparency and openness in communication process with local communities.
The Amulsar Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan contains further information regarding Lydian’s approach. Please click here to learn more about Lydian's community activities past and present.