Russian Molokans may be forced to leave the Armenian village of Lermontovo, as local authorities are planning to open a mining operation in the area.

Axar.az informs, citing Russian Telegram channels, the company “Tand-zut” is planning to launch a new industrial facility on the territory of the historic Molokan community, which originally settled in Armenia’s Lori region in 1844 after migrating from Russia’s Tambov and Saratov provinces.

Local residents strongly oppose the project and have announced a boycott.

Scheduled public hearings failed to take place, and at the request of residents, municipal officials in Lermontovo drafted a protocol stating that the community does not support the opening of a mine on its territory. The document was signed by community head Edik Chakhalyan.

Following the incident, representatives of the Lori regional administration and members of the ruling Civil Contract party visited the village. According to residents’ accounts, they were told that either the village agrees to the mine, or it could face relocation and possible dissolution.

Local officials are also alleged to have pressured residents by stating that the ruling party is expected to win future elections and that the community should not expect the project to be cancelled.