Armenia to exempt prospecting of up to 1,000 linear metres in total depth from EIA and expert review: draft

Prospecting for metallic minerals within set limits, and reassessment of reserves without field work, will no longer require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and state expert review in Armenia. The package of draft laws by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure is open for public comment until October 30.

According to the justification, a prospecting programme may not include underground workings longer than 1,000 linear metres in total or boreholes deeper than 1,000 linear metres in total. Larger works, and studies to reclassify off-balance reserves as balance reserves, will require a permit for geological study for extraction. Prospecting covers identifying possible mineralisation and estimating forecast resources, but not estimating or reassessing reserves.

Geological study for extraction will still go through an EIA and state expert review, but under category B instead of A. At present, for reassessment of reserves based on existing data, documents are submitted to the authority, which confirms that no expert review is needed. According to the justification, the change removes this unnecessary step. Geological study without a programme agreed with the authority will be prohibited.

A community council’s preliminary objection will no longer be grounds for refusing to accept documents for expert review, not starting it or stopping it. The developer will be able to submit documents, and the authority will assess the council’s reasons, the results of public hearings and public comments. If the reasons are found valid, a negative opinion will be issued. If the risks can be prevented or reduced, a positive opinion may be issued with a reasoned assessment of the council’s objections.

Mining accounts for 23.6% of Armenia’s industry. According to the Statistical Committee of Armenia, mining and quarrying output reached AMD 489.7 billion (about $1.31 billion) in January-August 2026, up 24.3% year on year. Metal ore mining made up AMD 468.8 billion of that.

According to the justification, state budget revenue and spending will not change. The laws will take effect on the 10th day after official publication, and the implementing regulation will be adopted within 3 months after that. Applications filed earlier and still pending will be handled under the rules in force when they were filed. The drafts are linked to the mining sector development strategy approved by the government on May 11, 2023.