The intensive development of mining remains a cause of great concern for environmentalists. Karine Danielyan, Head of the Association for Sustainable Human Development, has told ArmInfo that the damage inflicted by the mining industry may be much bigger because the country also has illegal mines, which are not registered officially.
"Armenia has become a real Klondike. Despite the decline in the world metal prices, the republic is attractive for mining companies, because the current legislation enables them to obtain surplus profit even amid the crisis. The fine for the environmental damage is rather small and the companies do not pay for the mining waste," the expert says.
Danielyan stresses that the extensive development of the mining industry poses a real threat to the future economy. "Tourism and agriculture are endangered. Human health is an important economic factor. Meanwhile, the state does not even assess the impact of development of the mines on the health of the adjacent communities' residents," she says.
The way out of the situation is simple - it is necessary to observe the international environmental standards when developing the mines. Danielyan stresses the need to quit the open pit mining, to introduce reverse water supply, but the mining companies are reluctant to do it because these measures are connected with financial expenses.
Earlier, exports noted that there are nearly 450 deposits in Armenia, which is rather a high figure. In 2013- 2014, mining "swallowed" 1,460 hectares, mainly agricultural lands. The tailing dumps in Armenia occupy an area of 1,500 hectares.
Several rivers of Armenia are already contaminated with heavy metals - Katsakh, Vorotan, Karchevan, Akhtala, Nahatak. The river Meghri is also endangered. The passive tailing dumps also pose a threat to the rivers. For instance, the Dastakert tailing dump regularly pollutes the river Ayri.