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Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said on Monday that environmental concerns surrounding the recently launched Amulsar gold mine had been dispelled by studies, reiterating that the "negative claims" previously circulated about the mine’s operation had not been confirmed by research.
Speaking to reporters, Papoyan said Armenia needs a mining industry that has minimal impact on the environment.
“Studies have shown that the operation of the Amulsar mine will have a minimal impact on the environment. The negative claims that had circulated about the mine’s operation beforehand have, at least, not been confirmed by the studies. The mine is already operating, producing and exporting. As of now, the Amulsar gold mine has 1,600 workers, and up to 4,000 additional indirect jobs have been created. Next year, the Amulsar mine will pay at least $130 million in taxes to the state budget. The operation of this mine will account for 1.5–2% of Armenia’s gross domestic product,” Papoyan said.
The minister emphasized that the operation of the Amulsar mine would greatly help make Armenia an economically developed country.
The Amulsar gold mine was officially commissioned on October 10.