Plizio Visual Lab
Amulsar Gold Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
mine
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Amulsar Gold Mine, located in the southern Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia, is one of the country's largest and most controversial mining projects in recent history. Developed by Lydian International, a multinational mining company, the project aims to exploit a large gold deposit through an open-pit operation. The company promises substantial economic benefits, including hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, job creation, and significant tax revenues for the state. The mine is projected to become one of the country's largest taxpayers once fully operational. However, the project has faced fierce opposition from environmental activists, local communities, and the wider public. The primary concern is the potential contamination of nearby Lake Sevan, which is of vital ecological and strategic importance to Armenia, through acid mine drainage. Critics also worry about the negative impact on the mineral water springs of the nearby resort town of Jermuk. These concerns have led to years of protests, blockades, and legal battles, delaying the mine's development and sparking a nationwide debate on the balance between economic development and environmental protection.
- Location: Armenia
- Top sights: Chrag · Andranik's Fortress · Ashora
- Nearby: Vayk (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -3 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 17 | 10 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 16 | 30 | 41 | 52 | 35 | 18 | 13 | 18 | 29 | 20 | 16 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Amulsar Gold Mine represents one of the largest and most widely discussed industrial projects in modern Armenia, situated strategically in the mountainous Vayots Dzor Province. Its massive scale highlights the economic significance of mineral extraction in the region, alongside intense environmental debates.
Visiting
Access to the actual mining footprint and construction areas is strictly prohibited for unauthorized personnel due to heavy machinery and safety protocols. Curious travelers can usually only observe the altered landscape and access roads from a safe, designated distance outside the perimeter.
Where to view it
Sweeping overviews of the mountain slopes scarred by the mining infrastructure can be seen from the regional highways connecting Vayots Dzor to Jermuk. The elevated roads surrounding the neighboring valleys offer the most comprehensive perspectives of the earthworks.
Local products
In the nearby towns and villages, local vendors focus heavily on agricultural goods rather than anything related to the mine itself. Visitors can purchase excellent local wines, fresh mountain honey, and traditional Armenian dried fruits from roadside stalls along the major routes.
Active season
Industrial activity typically proceeds year-round depending on the operational status, but the surrounding natural landscape is most accessible for observation from late spring to early autumn. Winter snows often obscure the area and make the mountain roads quite treacherous for ordinary driving.
Nearby
A passing observation of the Amulsar site pairs seamlessly with an extended stay in the famous spa town of Jermuk, known for its healing mineral waters and spectacular waterfall. The region is also highly celebrated for the Areni wine route, making for an excellent road trip itinerary.
Geography
Facts
- Large gold deposit in the Vayots Dzor Province.
- Developed by Lydian International.
- Subject to significant environmental debates and protests.
- Expected to be one of the largest gold producing sites in the country.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Amulsar Gold Mine (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Amulsar gold mine?
It is a mining project for gold extraction in southern Armenia. For travelers, it is an industrial site, not a classic attraction.
Can you visit the mine?
Normally no. If visits are allowed at all, they are only with permission and in a very limited format.
What is the area known for?
The region is known for its mountain landscape and debates around mining. The mine itself represents resource extraction.
When is the best time to be in the area?
In dry weather and good visibility, when the mountains are clear. For a quick stop, daylight is best.
Is there anything to see nearby?
The wider area has nature and settlements, but few classic tourist stops right by the mine.
Amulsar Gold Mine: where is it located?
Amulsar Gold Mine is located in Armenia.
Amulsar Gold Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chrag, Andranik's Fortress, Ashora.
Amulsar Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Amulsar Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Amulsar Gold Mine, located in the southern Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia, is one of the country's largest and most controversial mining projects in recent history.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Armenia →
Nearby cities
Yeghegnadzor
Yeghegnadzor is the capital of the Vayots Dzor Province, located in a region famous for ancient wine-making traditions.
Vayk
Vayk is a small town in southern Armenia, nestled in a valley and surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.
Vardenis
Vardenis is a town located near the southeastern shore of Lake Sevan, acting as an agricultural hub.
Nakhchivan
Nakhchivan is the capital of the autonomous republic of the same name, an exclave of Azerbaijan.
Martuni
Martuni is a town situated on the southern shores of Lake Sevan, known for its fishing and agriculture.
Tatev (Halidzor)
The gateway to the spectacular Tatev Monastery and home to the world's longest non-stop double track cableway.
Sisian
Sisian is a historic city located on the Vorotan River, surrounded by ancient megalithic monuments and waterfalls.
History & landmarks
Noravank
A monastery in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, famous for its reddish limestone cliffs.
Selim (Orbelian's Caravanserai)
Armenia's best-preserved caravanserai, a 14th-century stop on the Silk Road located at 2410 meters altitude.
Ordubad
Ordubad is the second largest town in Nakhchivan, known for its historical old town and ancient plane trees.
Nature
Lake Batabat
A picturesque high-mountain lake in Nakhchivan, famous for its floating peat island.
Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world.
Vorotan River
The Vorotan River carves a deep gorge in southern Armenia, known for its scenic beauty.
More places
Jermuk Mineral Water Factory
The Jermuk Mineral Water Factory bottles the famous, naturally sparkling water from the Jermuk springs.
Vayk Mountain Range
A rugged mountain range in southern Armenia, standing out for its aridity and steepness.
Vayots Dzor Pomegranate Orchards
The warm and dry conditions in Vayots Dzor are ideal for growing pomegranates, the symbol of life in Armenia.
Smbataberd Fortress
A medieval fortress located upon the crest of a hill between the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis.
Noravank
A 13th-century Armenian monastery, located in a narrow gorge known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs.
Areni Wine Region
The mountainous Areni region is world-famous for its ancient grape varieties and traditional Armenian winemaking in clay jugs.
🗺️
Shahbuz State Reserve
A protected area in Nakhchivan that preserves the pristine water sources and the alpine ecosystem around Lake Batabat.
Karahunj
A prehistoric archaeological site, frequently referred to in international tourist lore as the »Armenian Stonehenge«.