Armenia to require real-time GPS on mining equipment at border-area deposits from November 12
A requirement for mandatory GPS tracking on mining equipment and trucks at deposits in Armenia’s border zone and on the banks of border rivers takes effect on November 12, 2026. If a tracker fails or loses connection to the server, mining and transport must stop.
The government adopted Decision No. 1211-N on August 13, 2026. It enters into force on the 90th day after official publication. According to the government, the aim is to make mining and transport more transparent and to reduce the risk of illegal mining.
What is required
A subsoil user may carry out mining only with:
- loading and hauling equipment,
- trucks that carry out the extracted minerals,
if they are fitted with GPS that is permanently connected to a server and transmits data in real time.
Equipment is considered non-compliant if GPS is missing, broken or switched off, there is no signal, the server connection is interrupted, or data is not transmitted in real time. In that case, the equipment must stop work immediately. It may resume only after the problem is fixed.
Server and data requirements
The server must receive data around the clock and store it for up to one year. On request, data must be provided to state bodies within three working days. If the subsoil user does not run the system itself, it signs a contract with a service provider. The subsoil user remains liable for violations regardless of the contract.
Who receives the data
Four bodies have access to GPS data:
- the Environmental and Subsoil Inspection Body, which also oversees compliance with the decision;
- the National Security Service;
- the Prosecutor General’s Office;
- the State Revenue Committee.
Liability
Mining or transport with equipment without GPS entails administrative liability under Article 60.1(9) of the Code of Administrative Offences.
Who is affected
Companies mining minerals in the border zone and on the banks of border rivers, their contractors and ore carriers, as well as GPS monitoring providers.
What to do before November 12
- List all mining equipment and trucks operating at border sites.
- Install trackers and check that data is transmitted in real time.
- If a contractor runs the system, sign a contract covering one-year data storage and delivery within 3 working days on request.
- Assign an employee to monitor connectivity. If the signal is lost, the equipment must be stopped.
Photo: Magnific/senivpetro
