YEREVAN, JUNE 21, NOYAN TAPAN. The expert examination on damage as a result of Teghut mine's operation should be conducted for 25 and not 8 years, the prime minister Tigran Sargsian said at the June 20 meeting with a group of experts who are against the mine's operation. According to him, norms rather than punitive measures should form the basis of calculation of the possible environmental damage. The experts presented a number of problems worrying them, in particular, they are concerned that the wastes will cause damage to nature. T. Sargsian ruled out the possibility of transborder impacts during the operation of Teghut mine. He suggested developing a methodology of calculations to specify the amount of investments, envisaged wages and the number of new jos. As for the problem of fish destruction in the Shnogh River, T. Sargsian noted that this river is not for commercial fishery. The real amount of damage done to the river will be determined based on a new methodology. T. Sargsian informed the meeting participants that a presentation will be organized soon to substantiate the state importance of the project. Besides, they will conduct another two working meetings for solution of the indicated problems.

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