Lydian Granted Water Use Permit

Lydian Armenia has been granted a water use permit, but the blockade of the Amulsar roads continues. This information was shared by the company in a statement.

According to a statement from Lydian International Limited, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia has issued a permit to Lydian Armenia for water extraction from the Arpa River at a volume of 11 liters per second. The company had previously applied twice for a larger volume of water extraction (over 40 liters per second) necessary for long-term operations from the Arpa River, but both applications were denied by the ministry.

On December 23, 2019, the company submitted a request for a smaller volume of water use, which, according to calculations, will be sufficient for the construction of the Amulsar project. The company also requested a volume of water extraction from the Darb River for long-term operations, which was also rejected by the Ministry of Environment in October 2019. The company is contesting this rejection in the Administrative Court of Armenia.

“It is commendable that the government has granted Lydian Armenia a water use permit, which is essential for resuming construction. However, it is necessary to mention that the company is still deprived of the opportunity to access its territory due to the ongoing illegal blockade, which has resulted in the company being unable to secure additional financing needed to complete the construction of the Amulsar project,” said Edward Sellers, Acting President and CEO of Lydian International.

“We urge the Armenian government to take immediate measures to put an end to the prolonged illegal actions surrounding the Amulsar project. The restoration of legality is in the interest of thousands of Armenians, including residents of surrounding communities, company employees, contractors, and suppliers, as well as thousands of investors who have invested in Armenia in good faith that their legal rights will be protected,” the statement added.