GPS modules connected to servers of Subsoil Inspectorate to be  installed on quarry equipment and dump trucks in Armenia

ArmInfo. The application for the study and extraction of sand and crushed stone in the border zone will have to be checked by the National Security Service, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In  territories with the status of a customs control zone, it will also  be checked by the State Revenue Committee, as stated by Deputy  Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the  Republic of Armenia Asatur Vardanyan, during a meeting of the NA  Standing Committee on Economic Issues. He was presenting a  legislative package providing for amendments and additions to the  Code "On Subsoil of the Republic of Armenia," as well as amendments  to the Code of Administrative Offenses. The Deputy Minister noted  that the legislative package also outlines the procedure for  suspending the activities of a subsoil user.

According to Vardanyan, a complete ban on sand extraction from the  bed of a border river is also being introduced. The fine is 20  million drams, and in case of repeated violations, the right to use  the subsoil is terminated. The package is aimed at preventing the  risks of changing river beds (including the Araks) and reducing risks  to border ecosystems and security.

Asatur Vardanyan reported that a requirement has been established to  carry out mineral extraction work exclusively using lifting and  transport equipment, as well as trucks transporting minerals equipped  with a GPS (global positioning system). The latter will be connected  to the servers of the Subsoil Inspectorate to track the movement of  this equipment with maximum accuracy. Violation of this requirement  entails administrative liability in the amount of about 5 million  drams.

According to the Deputy Minister, these legislative amendments  currently only apply to the Araks River.  The government will adopt  by-laws within 8 months, and existing companies will have 90 days to  fully comply with GPS and other requirements. The bill received a  positive opinion from the commission.