At the current rates of mine exploitation, the gold reserves in Armenia will suffice for 25-30 years, Armenian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said at today's international conference entitled "Responsible Mining in Armenia: Opportunities and Challenges".
He added that the copper and molybdenum reserves will suffice for 100-120 years, and the lead and zinc reserves - for 20-25 years. He said that the republic has 37 metallic deposits, of which 26 are currently being exploited.
The minister said that the new Code on Natural Resources implies tougher social and environmental requirements to the mining companies. In accordance with the current legislation, the companies shall present not only the project of the deposit exploitation, but also the plan of its decommissioning.