EcoLur
The citizens of Armenia are not protected before miners: economist Vahagn Khachatryan expressed his opinion in the interview with EcoLur.
- Mr. Khachatryan, according to your evaluation what are the perspectives of mine-impacted communities in economic and social regards and how do you see the responsibility of mining companies towards communities?
Year ago the prices for copper and molybdenum were high in the world market. At that time the representatives of the authorities and investors were sure that the prices of metal should always be high. But essential changes happened in that area in the world: companies, which dealt with mining of metallic mines, faced serious problems. If 10 years ago the communities included in this area had some kind of benefit, such as working places and certain social support, now these companies are on the verge of bankruptcy. And 10-15 years ago there were no legal requirements posed in front of these companies, now the citizens, as a matter of fact, are in not protected state. They are in vulnerable situation and even if they raise any question before the company, the company may tell them it has no commitment towards them. World trends in regard with metal prices don’t show that prices will ever increase. Technological innovations lead to the fact that actually there is no much need for copper or molybdenum.
- What kinds of risk do you see in Armenia in this regard?
It’s not excluded that these mines will be closed down, which will bring to greater damage than it worked, as the neutralization of already developed mines is quite money-consuming.
- Do developing companies bear any responsibility for this?
No, as there is no cause of responsibility set in any contract.
- What kind of solutions do you see here?
People should stand and pose requirements before the government together with community heads. Who are they working for? Only for them?...According to state budget report for 2015, nature management and environmental fees reduced from 32 billion AMD to 28 billion AMD. I think it will have continuous tendency, as it’s because of decrease in metal prices in the world market.
August 02, 2016 at 14:13