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Residents of the Margahovit community in Armenia’s Lori Province on Friday staged a protest against the exploitation of a copper mine near the village.

Citing media reports, the protesting residents said starting from today public hearings on the mine operation are set to be held in the settlements of Debed, Yeghegnut, Vahagni, Vahagnadzor and Margahovit.

They expressed regret that supporters of environmental programs are now not against public discussions on the operation of the mine.

“There are so many mines in Lori Province alone, what should we do other than opposing [the exploitation],” said one of the residents.

Another citizen noted, however, that the mine would not have a tailing dump and would be 20 km away from Margahovit.

“It would have some sort of dry tails,” he said.

However, the protesters assured that they will not allow the operation of the new mine.

“There are mines in Teghut, Akhtala and Shamlugh; we are suffocating from the smell of acid. So, the mine shall not be exploited, there will be no public hearings,” the citizen said.