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

Director of the AUA Center for Responsible Mining, Alen Amirkhanian welcomed this significant milestone in the growth 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,” said Amirkhanian.

“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 practice, 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 while based at the AUA.”

“These important activities have laid the foundation for our mining policy, communications and advocacy efforts moving forward under a new structure,” said Meguerditchian.

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

MLRI’s activities at the AUA since 2014 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 its next stage of activities.

The AUA Center for Responsible Mining will continue with its multiple projects and activities on advancing research, education and community engagement on all aspects of responsible mining.

The Mining Legislation Reform Initiative  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.

The American University of Armenia 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.

http://asbarez.com/179080/mining-legislation-reform-initiative-set-to-enter-new-phase-of-operations/