Mining Pollution Crisis in South Caucasus region

With the rapid expansion of mining and metallurgical industries, environmental pollution has emerged as a pressing challenge in Armenia, particularly in relation to water resources. The unchecked release of heavy metals into river systems poses serious threats to aquatic biodiversity and human health, requiring urgent scientific investigation and policy action.

The environmental risks associated with heavy metal contamination occur in the ecosystem of the Debed River which goes through both Azerbaijan and Georgia. According to the study carried out by Armenian scientists[1], water samples collected from high-risk sites within the Debed river basins during the spring and summer months of 2013 and 2014 showed heavily influence by nearby mining operations. This river passes the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan and connected with Kura River which also flows into the Caspian Sea.

The recent photos and videos published by the 'epress.am' information website about the basins of toxic waste waters formed around the Pambak (Debed) river as a result of industrial activities of Armenia's Akhtala and Alaverdi mines are another alarm signal. The footage provides a clear picture of non-compliance with environmental norms and a lack of recultivation measures in the area. The publicized facts once again show that Armenia's mining industry activities endanger the entire region. We commend the issue raised by Armenia's 'Community Resistance and Contribution Center' NGO regarding the Akhtala and Alaverdi mines, and their initiatives to protect the environment and the health of people in settlements located in the area[2].

The findings reveal a significant presence of heavy metals in these water bodies, largely attributed to industrial activities and the poor management of waste and wastewater. In several locations, contamination levels were found to be high enough to potentially endanger not only aquatic organisms but also human health—particularly in areas where river water is used for drinking or domestic purposes.

A key observation was the reduction in species diversity of phytoplankton, an essential component of aquatic ecosystems. The study suggests that this biodiversity loss is directly linked to heavy metal exposure, which disrupts the balance and productivity of riverine ecological communities.

These findings underline the urgent need for stronger environmental regulation, improved waste management practices, and sustained monitoring of Armenia’s river systems to prevent further degradation. Without decisive intervention, the long-term viability of these ecosystems—and the communities that depend on them—will be at considerable risk.

The coalition, Environmental Protection First (EPF), has called for international action, describing the pollution as “unacceptable”. The group has urged renewed attention to an interactive map[1]they developed, which highlights the environmental damage caused by mining operations in Armenia.

According to the reports, NGOs from 13 countries[2], environmental activists, and journalists have appealed to international organisations and environmental conventions to intervene. Concerns over the issue have been voiced not only by Azerbaijani civil society groups but also by organisations within Armenia itself[3].

Appeals have been sent to the UN’s Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment (the Espoo Convention) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to address the environmental impact in the South Caucasus region.

The Espoo Convention, the international treaty required nations to assess and consult with neighbors about projects that could have transboundary environmental impact. Continuing to operate mines near shared water sources without any consultation, transparency, or accountability is a violation of the treaty.

Despite the repeated calls by civil society, there has not been an adequate reaction by the Armenian side, yet[4]. International organizations and regional partners must demand immediate action. Key steps include to share Environmental Impact Assessment documents with all affected parties. Armenia must allow independent monitoring of pollution levels affecting Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia, and Caspian Sea region.

 Article by Parvana Valiyeva, Member of Azerbaijan Parliament, co-founder of the “Environmental Protection First” (EPF) Coalition