YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN. There are 15 tailings in Armenia, which are mainly located in the regions of Syunik, Lori, and Ararat and they are of serious danger for surroundings. This statement was made by Aram Haroutiunian, the RA Minister of Environmental Protection, during the consultation dedicated to the problems on the Safe Management of Tailings, which was held on November 12. According to him, the contents of the dangerous chemical substances, including heavy metals, is rather high in the waters and lands situated in the surroundings of the tailings. The Minister mentioned at the same time that tailings are also technogene mines, which are additional sources for minerals extraction, as they contain a great deal of useful components and rare metals. The latters have enough value and their use can promote the development of the economy of the country. A number of issues concerning the security of the tailings, in particular, the system of the management of tailings and the security system, as well as the problem of the deserted and closed down tailings were submitted for consideration to the consultation participants. The consultation was held within the frameworks of the Convention on "Transborder Influence of Industrial Accidents". According to the consultation participants, the consultation will contribute to the exchange of national and international experience with regard to the projecting, building and operation of tailings, as well as the prevention of accidents in tailings.

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