ArmInfo. Individuals and legal entities in Armenia may be granted the right to mine high-strength non-metallic minerals on their own land plots without a license. Discussions are currently underway on draft amendments to the Subsoil Code.
In an interview with RA Public Television, the author of the initiative, MP Sergey Bagratyan, noted that the bill would permit the sale of 20% of the ore extracted from a depth of up to 2 meters. This ore, while insignificant in value, can satisfy the landowner's needs. If, for example, 10,000 cubic meters of sand are extracted from a plot of land, but only 1,000 are used, why not allow the remaining portion to be sold and taxes paid? According to conservative estimates, this could generate an additional 3 billion drams for the state budget. Bagratyan noted that the draft law applies to small plots of land.
In turn, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia Asatur Vardanyan noted that, according to current legislation, the right to non-profit subsoil use is only granted in the event of non-profitability. If amendments are made to the Subsoil Code, citizens will be able to extract 20% of the total area of a plot for profit within one calendar year. Vardanyan noted that communities have non-production enterprises that served the community's needs, such as developing cultural potential. However, even in this situation, extracting even one ton of ore was considered illegal. However, as the Deputy Minister emphasized, granting greater rights carries serious risks, as it can lead to illegal entrepreneurial activity. Consequently, an attempt was made to establish reasonable solutions that would help citizens both meet their own needs and avoid engaging in illegal activities. Even construction companies that erect a building and find high-strength non-metallic raw materials in the excavation pit will be able to use them at their own discretion. The RA Government is ready to discuss the initiative with its authors, especially considering that the development of mining is one of the Cabinet's priorities, as reflected in its program for 2026-2031. According to this program, it is envisaged to fully digitalize the sector within five years, implement international standards, and strengthen laboratory capabilities. It is envisaged, in particular, to establish a new geological service under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, which will deal with all these issues, including laboratory research.
