The development of the deposit has caused changes in Armenia's landscape, head of Center of Bird Lovers NGO Silva Adamyan said during the June 4 press conference.
According to the expert, the development of the deposit in Armenia does not meet international standards. She assures that companies, which acquire deposits, have ties to the government. This leads to obvious gaps in ore mining industry in Armenia, while Ministry of Nature Protection RA is subjected to pressure. Penalties for violations often do not cover the environmental damage. According to the environmentalist, sums allocated from the budget on environment protection do not serve their goal.
She also expressed concern over the situation regarding the Akhtala Mining and Enrichment Combine. Dwellers of the neighbouring village are complaining of health deterioration caused by the exploitation of the tailing dump.
Adamyan believes that the increase of ore mining legislative pressure could improve the situation.
There are currently 450 deposits exploited in Armenia. In 2013-2014 alone ore mining "ate out" 1460 ha of farmlands mostly. Tailing dumps in Armenia occupy 1500 ha of land.