YEREVAN. - One of the most distinguished Armenian geologists Sabir Stepanyan died at the age of 83. His memorial service is held in Yerevan today.

From the 50s up to the mid-60s, Stepanyan worked as a geologist in Kajaran and Agarak copper-molybdenum mines and Pkhrut gold mine. He also managed the oil and gas deep drilling works in Hoktemberyan. Stepanyan held managerial positions in a number of mining companies. From 1983 to 1986, he headed the Armenian SSR Gasification Committee.

In 1986, Stepanyan was appointed Chairman of State Supply Committee. During those years he greatly contributed to the elimination of Spitak earthquake consequences.