YEREVAN.- Mining industry has become a monopoly owned by state officials, said head of Armenia’s Green Union Hakob Sanasaryan.

“Several years ago the minister who is presently chairing parliamentary committee took possession of 10-14 mines and now he is approving law on mineral resources,” he said hinting at head of standing committee on economic affairs Vardan Ayvazyan.  

According to him, the law on mineral resources contains several unacceptable provisions. One of them is the order of competition was lifted and the right to operate a mine is given to the company which first files an application.

The next unacceptable decision is concerned with use of forest areas. It is allowed to use forest areas for the purposes of mining industry which may lead to unpredictable consequences for Armenia, he added.

Sanasaryan considers the next problem is the new bill contains no provision on tailing storage. The manufacturers are exempt from paying for garbage.