The Mining Legislation Reform Initiative Enters a New Phase of Operations

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The Mining Legislation Reform Initiative (MLRI) is entering a new phase of operations, focusing its efforts on public education and advocacy in responsible mining in Armenia. Initially housed at the American University of Armenia (AUA) Center for Responsible Mining, MLRI will expand the scope of its work as an independently registered NGO.

Director of the AUA Center for Responsible Mining, Alen Amirkhanian, welcomed this significant milestone in the growth trajectory of the MLRI project. “The MLRI was a key undertaking at the AUA Center for Responsible Mining, initiated and supported by the Tufenkian Foundation. It offered research and stakeholder engagement that played a crucial role in raising awareness of the legislative gaps in environmental, social and economic impacts of mining in Armenia,” he said. “As it enters a new phase as an independent NGO, we anticipate a broadening of MLRI’s activities, greater awareness and advocacy for reforms toward responsible mining.”

Mining Policy and Legislative Reform Manager, Varant Meguerditchian highlighted the importance of the work undertaken by MLRI within the framework of the AUA Center for Responsible Mining. “In recent years, we have published reports on mining best practices, legislative gaps and the fiscal regime. We have also undertaken a transparent and broad stakeholder consultation, discussing waste management, water quality and the social impacts of mining,” he explained. “These important activities have laid the foundation for our mining policy, communications and advocacy efforts moving forward under a new structure,” added Meguerditchian.

The MLRI moves to its new Yerevan premises on 15 April 2019 and will be operating as the Mining Legislation Reform Institute, NGO.

Beginning in 2014, MLRI activities at the AUA were made possible by funding from the Tufenkian Foundation. “We’re grateful for the partnership with the Tufenkian Foundation in support of the MLRI project over the past several years, and look forward to further cooperating with the Foundation and the MLRI in its next phase of operations,” stated Amirkhanian.

The Tufenkian Foundation will remain the key funding partner of the MLRI through the next stage of activities.

The AUA Center for Responsible Mining will continue working on multiple projects and activities to advance research, education and community engagement in all aspects of responsible mining.

The American University of Armenia (AUA) Center for Responsible Mining promotes the creation as well as transfer and adoption of best practices in socially, environmentally, and economically responsible mining in Armenia. The AUA Center for Responsible Mining works with companies, civil society, and the public sector to achieve this goal.

The Mining Legislation Reform Initiative (MLRI) seeks to ensure that mining in Armenia provides sufficient benefits to the country and local communities. Its main activities include research, stakeholder consultation, policy development, public education, communications and advocacy. The MLRI has been based at the American University of Armenia’s Center for Responsible Mining since 2014 and will be operating independently as the Mining Legislation Reform Institute, NGO from 15 April 2019. The project is made possible by funding from the Tufenkian Foundation.

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[Asbarez] Mining Legislation Reform Initiative Set to Enter New Phase of Operations