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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the launch of operations at the Amulsar gold mine on Saturday alongside government officials and hailed the project as an important step for the development of Armenia’s mining industry, investment climate and economy.
In his speech at the launch ceremony, Pashinyan emphasized that the project’s benefits must be reflected in citizens’ welfare.
Addressing environmental concerns, he said that dozens of consultations had been held with his participation to examine various reports, adding that going through this process was important to establishing confidence in the project.
Pashinyan said the government had considered it important to address public concerns and ensure that citizens also considered the project their own.
He described it as a partnership among investors, local organizations, the government and the public.
“Let us finally state that the mineral resources that turned into gold before our eyes today belong to the Republic of Armenia and are the property of the people of the Republic of Armenia. And it has been of utmost importance to us to demonstrate that this wealth will serve the development and prosperity of the Republic of Armenia,” the Prime Minister said.
Pashinyan also emphasized the project’s success in terms of attracting new investments.
“Of course, the fate of this investment project will be very significant in bringing in new investment projects of this kind. And I think that in this regard, we can state that we have achieved success,” he said.
Addressing the project’s economic significance, Pashinyan highlighted the importance of importing modern equipment and creating jobs requiring specialized qualifications. He said that operating and maintaining the technological chain requires professional training, creating opportunities for higher wages and improved welfare.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the project’s social responsibility, referring to the support that operator Lydian Armenia will provide to nearby communities. He recalled that the government holds a 12.5% stake in the project, describing it as an additional form of public participation.
Pashinyan said the project’s economic impact should not be limited to statistical indicators. Behind those figures, he said, there should be people with jobs, improved communities, and roads, schools and other public services financed through additional budget revenues.
He also highlighted the possibility of applying the technological standards of the Amulsar project at other mining companies and in other projects.
“I hope and am confident that in the near future, such steps will become routine and part of our everyday life. And when we speak of a major step, in the future we will mean even bigger projects,” Pashinyan concluded.