EcoLur
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan published a video message on 22 May, where he speaks about the problems existing in the mining sector of Armenia.
'In the upcoming days, I will assign relevant inspection bodies to start inspections in all the metallic mines operating in Armenia, as there are numerous alarm signals related to their operation...If it turns out that any company operating any mine is not able to organize their activities in line with the requirements of the Armenian law, they will face relevant legal consequences. A decision has been reached to invite environmental organizations and environmental journalists and mass media to become full members of these inspections in order to have absolutely reliable outcomes and opinions of these inspections and in order to exclude any corruption option,' the Armenian PM particularly said in his speech.
'We have information that numerous mines haven't performed their obligations towards the state and there are numerous due payments in regard to mine reclaiming and other numerous legislative features and due payments, according to certain information, make up several hundred million AMD. In the near future, we will ensure proper payments of all overdues. We should use all the leverages to make the operation of the mines strictly complaint with the environmental standards and the requirements of the Armenian legislation,' Nikol Pashinyan said.
Referring to the prospecting of the new mines, Nikol Pashinyan mentioned currently they are investigating legislative opportunities to have certain guarantees before issuing permits for the prospecting and operation of new mines.
'It's a matter of national security and we consider it to be a problem for the environment and reasonable use of soils,' Nikol Pashinyan said.
May 23, 2018 at 17:07