New Initiative to Monitor Heavy Metal Pollution in Armenia

This is the year that global warming and its causes, including emissions associated with unchecked mining, have raced to the top of headlines and become the focus of seminars and increased interest worldwide, including at the United Nations. The tiny Republic of Armenia is facing an environmental crisis of its own, this one largely a result of its own actions. Overmining is polluting water sources and making parts of this mountainous country uninhabitable. Since Independence, Armenia has dealt with a devastating earthquake, a war with Azerbaijian and blockades on two of its four borders. As a result, it has turned to almost any options it has to generate revenue, including unrestrained mining, which it practices without any type of studies or restraints.

Responsible Mining

The American University of Armenia, Center for Responsible Mining, and the young for-purpose organization ONEArmenia, are teaming up to help create data that will evolve the face of mining in Armenia. The center is firm in stating that it is not anti-mining, meaning they acknowledge that mining and mineral processing can be important to the livelihoods of communities. However, they also recognize that international best practices must be introduced to ensure the environmental, social and economic well-being of communities all over Armenia.

There are currently over four hundred active mines in Armenia, twenty-two of which are heavy metal mines. This is quite astounding considering that the country is barely the size of Belgium. For rural communities these mines present job opportunities that are much needed, especially since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite the economic benefits and importance of the mining industry, irresponsible mining is leading to some major environmental consequences and poses risks to the health of mining communities.