ArmInfo. The mining industry has been and remains the most stable pillar of the Armenian economy, providing a significant portion of taxes paid to the state budget. This is stated in the next statement of the Union of Miners and Metallurgists of the Republic of Armenia.
The document, in particular, notes that the events that have occurred over current year (COVID-19, war) have had a colossal negative impact on the Armenian economy, and serious economic shocks have been avoided so far only thanks to the mining industry. "But, oddly enough, today we are witnessing how, in the face of tacit indifference and inaction of the relevant authorities, some circles continue to devalue the role of the mining sector, targeting mining companies, as they have done with impunity in the past few years. Even manipulating disturbing events around the Sotq mine, an attempt is being made to diminish the importance of the mine as the fourth largest taxpayer in Armenia. Moreover, there are calls to completely abandon the mining industry, which is clearly directed against our statehood, is aimed at hindering any economic progress in Armenia, "the statement reads.
The authors of the document believe that from now on there is no room for error. "To build a strong homeland requires a strong economy. Following the recent tragic events, the right and appropriate steps must be taken at the state, political and public levels. The mining sector must be given strategic importance, new mining projects must be developed, new investments must be attracted, existing mines must be developed and any encroachment on the normal operation of any mining company must be prevented. Rational use of natural resources in accordance with high international environmental standards is the only reliable guarantee for the recovery and development of the country's economy, "the statement said.
The document also recalls that there are many examples in history when, finding themselves in a similar, worse situation than in Armenia, states that have chosen the path of efficient use of natural resources managed not only to overcome crises, but also to create a competitive economy and an army with modern weapons. ... The example of Germany and Japan is more than instructive in this respect.
