TAILINGS EXISTING IN ARMENIA ARE OF SERIOUS DANGER FOR SURROUNDINGS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 12 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN. There are 15 tailings in Armenia,
which are mainly located in the regions of Syunik, Lori, and Ararat and
they are of serious danger for surroundings. This statement was made by
Aram Haroutiunian, the RA Minister of Environmental Protection, during
the consultation dedicated to the problems on the Safe Management
of Tailings, which was held on November 12. According to him, the
contents of the dangerous chemical substances, including heavy metals,
is rather high in the waters and lands situated in the surroundings of
the tailings. The Minister mentioned at the same time that tailings
are also technogene mines, which are additional sources for minerals
extraction, as they contain a great deal of useful components and
rare metals. The latters have enough value and their use can promote
the development of the economy of the country.

A number of issues concerning the security of the tailings, in
particular, the system of the management of tailings and the security
system, as well as the problem of the deserted and closed down tailings
were submitted for consideration to the consultation participants.

The consultation was held within the frameworks of the Convention on
"Transborder Influence of Industrial Accidents". According to the
consultation participants, the consultation will contribute to the
exchange of national and international experience with regard to
the projecting, building and operation of tailings, as well as the
prevention of accidents in tailings.