Contemporary Mining Industry May Be Developed, Safe and Environmentally Good Manageable
Construction works provided for mining in Amulsar will be launched in April-May of current year. Hayk Aloyan, CEO of Geoteam Company, told reporters yesterday.
RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in partnership with the Embassy of Canada to Armenia organized Armenian-Canadian business forum devoted to uncovering possibilities of cooperation between the two countries.
Levon Yolyan, RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, in his opening remarks mentioned that current situation of mining industry doesn’t satisfy demand by the state and the society.
“In particular, level of state reports and mining companies regarding expenditures and revenues needs improvement,” the Minister considers. In his words, for that purpose works are being implemented with the World Bank experts for Armenia’s engagement with the initiative of extractive industry negotiations. He also stated that disposition of the Government regarding the issue is quite consistent and every possible effort will be exerted to reach the purpose.
John Kerry, Ambassador of Canada to Armenia, stated what is called a Canadian model has been applied by them not only in Canada but in all those countries, where Canadian companies are found. To the question what preconditions Armenia has today to implement mining in accordance with international standards, the Ambassador replied, “Minister of Energy and Natural Resources has already mentioned that for developing this branch Armenia cooperates with international companies as well, like, for instance, the International Bank. It’s rather crucial, as Canada comprehensively works with international companies in this regard.”
According to H.Aloyan, CEO of Geoteam Company, Canada is one of the leading mining countries in the world, and this forum is a good opportunity to get acquainted with Canadian experience and new tendencies in mining industry. “As a company registered in Toronto Stock Exchange, Geoteam Company applies the mining experience of Canada and other countries in Amulsar project, and Canadian mining projects are a best example of the fact that present-day mining industry may be developed, safe and environmentally good manageable, like Amulsar mine is going to be,” he said.
H.Aloyan stated that Canadian companies and experts participated and will participate in Amulsar mining and construction operations.
Based on some sources, population of Jermuk is against construction of Amulsar mine, as they consider it an issue linked to tourism. To the question what he’s going to do in this regard, H.Aloyan replied, that the Company has worked with communities since 2007, implements social programs, and there is a direction in that program which will foster development of tourism in Jermuk, “I consider during mine exploitation we’ll contribute to tourism and substructures’ development in Jermuk.”
CEO of the Company mentioned that they’ve reconstructed Jermuk kinder-garden, culture center, contributed to development of substructures and will continue working with the city during the mine exploitation.
During various forums the idea is frequently being circulated that it’s possible both to productively exploit the mine and not to harm eco system.
How is Geoteam going to perform this? In response to this question H.Aloyan told he’s sure their Company will be a likewise responsible one, so that not damaging the eco system, they will establish an exemplary mine. He stated that about USD 6 million has been invested for environmental survey, “Of course, both during construction and implementation of the program Canadian companies participated and will participate in it. I think they might share this experience with us.”
H.Aloyan mentioned that construction is planned for April-May of current year. It’ll last for 2 years, about more than 2000 workplaces will be established, exploitation of the mine will last for 10 years, during which more than 700 workplaces will be established as well.
By Ani Keshishyan
“168 HOURS”
