In the wake of the publication of the Elard Report on the proposed Amulsar mine, the Mining Legislation Reform Institute (MLRI) has released a policy guideline highlighting the foundational principles of mining responsibly in Armenia and emphasizing that the natural resources of the nation belong to the people of Armenia.
The MLRI Responsible Mining Policy guide which is available on the MLRI website broadly discusses issues of governance, environmental, social and health management policies, worker safety and the economic impacts of mining.
“Our broad mining policy supports strong governance and ethics, environmental protection, social benevolence and economic growth,” said Varant Meguerditchian, Executive Director of the Mining Legislation Reform Institute.
“It paves the way for mining legislation reform,” he said.
The MLRI has undertaken a multi-year research project on responsible mining best practices, publishing papers on Armenia’s tailings and waste management processes, water use and quality, the fiscal regime for the mining sector, workers' rights and safety, the social impacts of mining and other relevant issues.
More recently, MLRI oversaw a nationwide stakeholder consultation process to identify the key issues and concerns of civil society regarding mining operations. The research and stakeholder consultations have contributed to the development of the MLRI Responsible Mining Policy, which will form the basis for promoting legislative reform.
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The Mining Legislation Reform Institute (MLRI) is a registered Armenian NGO. It seeks to ensure that mining in Armenia provides sufficient benefits to the country and local communities. Its main activities include research, stakeholder consultation, policy development, public education, communications, advocacy, and legislative reform.
The MLRI was previously based at the American University of Armenia’s Center for Responsible Mining. The activities of the MLRI are made possible by funding from the Tufenkian Foundation.
MLRI contacts
Varant Meguerditchian
e: varant@mlri.org.am
t: +374 98 03 44 86
The photograph of Amulsar is from "Lragir.am" website.
23 August, 2019In the wake of the publication of the Elard Report on the proposed Amulsar mine, the Mining Legislation Reform Institute (MLRI) has released a policy guideline highlighting the foundational principles of mining responsibly in Armenia and emphasizing that the natural resources of the nation belong to the people of Armenia.