Armenia isn’t known for its strong economy, or developed industry.
So when the government was offered a $500 million investment by Lydian International, it was hardly a surprise that they snatched up the offer.
The company had seen the potential for Armenian gold, and jumped at the chance to establish a mine in a remote, mountainous region. They promised jobs to a country plagued by unemployment, as well as millions of dollars to be made in tax revenue; it seemed like a win-win situation.
But Lydian International has sparked concerns globally over environmental concerns, and while the project meets the legal and environmental requirements of Armenia, it has failed to reach the standards of France and Germany.
And since June 2018, concerned locals and passionate environmental activists have blocked access to the mine, occupying the roads and protesting Lydian as a whole.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is trying desperately to convince the protesters that the protests will do them more harm than good. Meanwhile, Lydian has lost more than $60 million and 1000 jobs because of the blockade.
The locals are faced with a truly difficult decision: do they give in, and prioritise and financial stability of their people, or do they keep to their guns and keep fighting for Gaia?
Academic Research 