Environmental
Millions of lives and environment are in danger by air and water pollution committed by Armenia
Civil society organizations warn that mining and metallurgical activities in Armenia are causing severe air and water pollution that threatens ecosystems and public health in Azerbaijan.
Civil society organizations operating in Azerbaijan have issued an appeal to the United Nations and international community highlighting environmental disasters caused by Armenian mining and metallurgical facilities. Operations such as the Zangezur Copper‑Molybdenum combine in Gajaran and the mining complex in Gafan release heavy‑metal‑laden mining wastes into the Okchuchay and Araz rivers, which cross into Azerbaijan and Iran. Toxic chemical waste pollutes transboundary watercourses, deteriorating air and water quality and degrading soil, flora, and fauna. The Ellar (Gotayq) metallurgical plant and the Goyche (Gegharkunik) Copper Smelting Plant emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and acid rain, while discharging wastewater into the Arpachay River, a drinking‑water source. The planned or existing metallurgical plant in Arazdeyan (Yeraskh) is described as a risk of toxic discharges into the Araz River, endangering wildlife and agricultural uses and raising the risk of infectious diseases in border villages. The situation is portrayed as a potential public health crisis and regional environmental disaster affecting Azerbaijan and neighboring countries.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Araz and Okchuchay river basins near Armenian‑Azerbaijani border
- Date added
- 2026-04-01 12:33 UTC
- Added by
- nikieuropeapdrmis
- Last updated
- 2026-04-01 12:33 UTC
- Source
- https://azertag.az
- Connected threats
-
- Not Available