Past.am informs that Jermuk residents have submitted a collective petition with 3000 signatures to the government, Jermuk community council and the community head, demanding to ban metal mining in the region and to develop green ecological economy. According to the council, together with the citizens, they will fight for not letting the mine be exploited.

A council member doctor Hasmik Sargsyan mentions that if the mine is exploited, the wind will bring harmful and toxic substances which will have a negative impact on both plants and food. Harmful substances may cause oncological diseases as well. Sargsyan points out that no one has ever assessed the health risks in the region.

She adds the nature cannot clear itself from heavy metals. It takes about 500 years to get rid of them.

Another member of the council, Gagik Stepanyan, adds that the city is a resort, and tourism and mining are incompatible with each other.

Stepanyan hopes that the decision of closing the mine will be made.

www.ecostimule.com