On June 27, 2018, Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC), in advocating for transparency and accountability among Armenia’s mining industry, organized a public discussion entitled "The Teghut Problem: Finding a Solution." Especially urgent in the wake of a breach in the mine’s tailing dump, participants weighed in on the economic, environmental, and social issues related to the project. The event was organized by TIAC within the framework of the USAID-funded Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance program. It brought together about forty representatives of state agencies, businesses, NGOs, media as well as residents from the affected communities.

TIAC Executive Director Sona Ayvazyan delivered opening remarks. TIAC Expert Artur Grigoryan, who had been with the “Ecological Rights” NGO until his appointment as the Head of Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body on June 21, 2018, introduced the issues faced by the exploitation of the Teghut mine. Political activist Anna Shahnazaryan then spoke on the economic issues faced by the project. Hovik Sahakyan and Raya Melkonyan, residents of the affected communities of Shnogh and Teghut respectively, offered a local perspective.

State representatives and staff from several ministries and parliamentary committees made comments, including the Ministry of Nature Protection; the National Assembly Standing Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Environment; the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments; the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Emergency Situations ; the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources; and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Vallex Group, the owner of the Teghut mine, was invited but did not send a representative. They offered the following statement ahead of the discussion: "Teghut CJSC mining ore processing plant has suspended its operations since January 12, 2018, for planned, preventative repairs. The company management has made the only responsible decision, which is not to restart the plant as indicators from the tailing dump are still not compliant with Armenia’s legislated standards. "

The event was broadcast live by the Journalists’ Club Asparez

The event was widely covered by Armenian-language media, including at the following links:

epress.am The Teghut mine should be closed immediately, and the company will be prosecuted
epress.am International funders of mines often ignore Armenian legislation
www.aravot.am Teghut operations halted due to tailing dump issue
armradio What Are the Risks to Mining Development?
Azatutyun TV News, June 27, 2018 36:40-40:00
ecolur.org Teghut CJSC Confirms Teghut Tailing Dump Indicators Not Compliant with Armenian and International Standards