YEREVAN. - Operating mines in Armenian Syunik region will have devastating effect on the environment and the Monastery of Tatev, alerts Freedom of Speech Union.

‘‘Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan met with delegation of Chinese Fortune Oil Company and discussed the prospects of company’s investment in mining industry of Armenia. One of the mining locations purchased by the Chinese company is in 4 kilometers from Tatev village and has an estimated 1.5 billion tons of iron reserves. It follows they will use a pretty large territory to operate the mine, which will have a devastating effect on the surrounding villages and Tatev Monastery,’’ reads the statement.