The Minister Has Met with the Representatives of the Mining Sector

On March 18, in the RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources was held a meeting to discuss the fulfillment of contractual obligations by the companies implementing geological survey for the purpose of mining.

The main objective of the consultation was to discuss the current situation in this sphere with the heads of the companies which have obtained a permit, as well as to discuss the reasons for non-fulfillment or under-fulfillment of contractual obligations by the companies, which can become a serious problem for the mining field development.

According to the statistics, 127-metallic mineral deposits are registered in the cadastre of deposits and developments of the Republic of Armenia.

Currently, 55 developments are provided for the geological study for the purpose of mining of minerals.

It is intended to carry out geological, topographic, geophysical, geochemical surveys, various samples, analyzes, experimental outputs, construction of roads and drilling squares and other ancillary works in the framework of the implement mining rights.

It was intended to make around 24 billion financial investments by estimated calculations, but at the moment the 10 percent of all is done.

In accordance with the inspections carried out by the State Mining Inspectorate of the Ministry only 4 companies have made the intended geological study and have submitted the appropriate reports, 3 of which with the approval of resources.

By 21 companies the works are done partially, and 30 companies either have not done the works, or have not presented the reports.

According to the Minister Yervand Zakharyan, the situation in this part of the mining industry is worrying.

-The cases of non-fulfillment of contractual obligations and irregularities are numerous. Such an approach is impermissible,-said the Minister Yervand Zakharyan.

- You're in private companies, with whom there were been signed contracts, and the state demands, that you fulfill your contractual obligations.

The companies, which have not fulfilled the contractual obligations, the permits of whom has expired, they will not be subject to appeal hereinafter, and to the companies which have under-fulfilled the contractual obligations will be applied functions prescribed by the low, has said Yervand Zakharyan.

The vast majority of companies, who have received geological exploration permissions with a clearly defined contractual obligations of labor, investment and terms, often violates the treaties and very frequently are inactive.

The Minister has mentioned, that also impermissible the approach, when companies, who have received permissions, do not do any investments or works, more, they do not allow other investors’ entrance to that sector.

-This situation is impermissible either of the state favor, or the economic development context.

There will be more strong approach now and then.

To the economic managers, who have not done the contractual obligations, will be applied functions prescribed by the RA legislation, till the mining treaty abrogation.