What needs doing to improve social and environmental situation in communities impacted by mining industry, 9 March 2022

Based on the assessment of the physical, medical and psychological condition of the residents carried out in the settlements of Alaverdi, Odzun, Shnogh, Akhtala, Teghut, Mets Ayrum, Pokr Ayrum, Tchotchkan, Shamlugh, Akori, Khagvi, Mghart, Kachachkut of Tumanyan area in Lori Region, Armenia, community administrations were made proposals to improve the environmental situation considering the social factor.

...[T]he studies were carried out by Czech "Arnika" NGO together with the Armenian organizations "Center for Community Mobilization and Support" and "EcoLur" Informational NGO within the framework of "Raising Awareness of Pollution in Tumanyan Area"...The study showed that diseases common in the mining communities in Lori Region, Armenia, are specific to the risks of environmental pollution with the accumulation of heavy metals in the human body.

The range of illnesses reported for children under the age of 18 is of particular concern, such as cardiovascular diseases and digestive problems., whichs indicates possible health risks from environmental pollution. There is also a group of people who are undergoing treatment in medical institutions, and who call poor ecology the cause of diseases...