YEREVAN. – Viable mining is feasible in Armenia, and there are real respective opportunities in the country.

US Ambassador Richard Mills on Wednesday stated the above-said during a brief conversation with reporters, before the start of a business conference on sustainable mining.

In his words, although there are real opportunities in Armenia’s mining sector, these opportunities need to be brought to fruition by ensuring environmental protection and workers’ safety.

Mills noted that viable mining—that is, mining, within the framework of which respect is ensured toward environmental issues—is possible in Armenia.

The American diplomat stressed, however, that, along with the development of these opportunities, there must also be government oversight of the mining sector.

He recalled that the environmental groups and civil society of Armenia actively follow the developments in this sector.

Richard Mills expressed confidence that the proper use of mining opportunities in Armenia will also create new jobs in the country.