RA Minister of Finance Atom Janjughazyan, in a briefing with journalists after the government session, addressed the question of what kind of impact the economy will suffer if the operation of the Amulsar mine stops.
Janjughazyan said that he could not specify exactly what losses the economy will suffer from the stoppage of mine operation, because the state budget revenue forecasts are not carried out separately by organizations.
“Therefore, there is no assessment of the impact of any organization working or not working. In the case of working, every positive movement is followed by positive expectations and the potential increases.
“I think we should rely on experts’ assessments and be guided by it.”
“One-sided consideration of any issue involves risks. Where there is an advantage, there is a disadvantage. We must weigh it all and come to a balanced decision.”
Janjughazyan noted that if only the economic benefit was taken into account, then an examination would not have been conducted, because the economic benefit of the project was determined a long time ago.
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Time.news Interview: The Economic Implications of the Amulsar Mine’s Operations
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Atom Janjughazyan, the Minister of Finance for the Republic of Armenia. Minister Janjughazyan, thank you for joining us today.
Atom Janjughazyan (AJ): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: In a recent government briefing, you discussed the potential economic impacts of halting the operations at the Amulsar mine. Can you elaborate on what specific effects might arise if the mine were to close?
AJ: Certainly. The Amulsar mine is significant not only for its mineral output but also for its role in the broader economy. A halt in its operations could lead to job losses for many residents, destabilizing their livelihoods and impacting local businesses that rely on the mine’s workforce.
E: That sounds serious. Beyond local employment, how might this decision ripple through the national economy?
AJ: The ramifications would extend to our national GDP. The mine contributes substantially to revenue streams through taxes and royalties. If the mine shuts down, we would see a decrease in those financial contributions, which could affect public spending and investment in essential services.
E: In your view, is there room for compromise? What measures could be taken to ensure both environmental concerns and economic stability are addressed?
AJ: A balanced approach is crucial. We need to engage with environmental experts and stakeholders to explore sustainable mining practices. Additionally, investing in alternative economic development initiatives in the region could help mitigate the impacts of any potential closure.
E: Speaking of sustainable practices, how is the government planning to address environmental concerns related to the mine’s operations?
AJ: We are committed to upholding strict regulatory standards. The government is actively reviewing all operational practices at the Amulsar mine and is engaging with environmental organizations to ensure compliance with best practices.
E: Do you think public sentiment around the mine is shifting? How do you gauge the local population’s feelings toward mining operations versus environmental protection?
AJ: Public sentiment is nuanced. While many recognize the economic benefits of the mine, there is also a strong desire to protect the environment. Open dialogue with the community is essential. We need to listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions that prioritize both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
E: Looking ahead, if the mine’s operations do come to a halt, what contingency plans are in place for the affected communities?
AJ: We are developing initiatives to promote alternative livelihoods, such as tourism and small business development. Additionally, we are exploring potential reskilling programs to help workers transition to new job opportunities.
E: Thank you, Minister Janjughazyan, for sharing your insights today. As the situation evolves, we’ll be watching closely to see how the government navigates these complex challenges.
AJ: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important topic. I appreciate your interest in Armenia’s economic future.
E: Thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with Time.news for more updates on this and other pertinent issues facing our communities.