Armenian Mining Association Questions Conduct of Foreign NGOs

The Union of Miners and Metallurgists of Armenia (UMMA) has expressed concern over the activities of certain foreign non-governmental organizations operating in the country, citing issues related to transparency, professional standards, and potential underlying motives.

In particular, UMMA has reviewed the recent work and publications of the Czech NGO Arnika and raised serious questions about the methodology and credibility of its activities in Armenia. While the Union underlines the importance of independent environmental research, it stresses that such work must strictly comply with Armenian legislation, adhere to scientific standards, and serve the interests of the public.

According to UMMA, Arnika has been conducting studies in Armenia for several years, with a noticeable focus on the country’s mining sector. The Union notes that similar attention has not been directed at other countries in the region, which raises concerns about selective targeting. It warns that such an approach risks portraying Armenia as a source of regional environmental harm without sufficient scientific justification.

The Union also highlights recent activities in the Syunik region, where biological samples—including soil, water, and human-related materials—were reportedly collected with the involvement of local NGOs funded through international grants. UMMA emphasizes that such actions require careful oversight and transparency, particularly when they involve sensitive materials.

A key concern raised by the Union is the lack of detailed information in Arnika’s publications regarding data collection methods, verification processes, and the scientific basis for its conclusions. It points out that comprehensive environmental research typically requires long-term data collection, comparative analysis, and continuous monitoring across different locations and seasons—standards that, according to UMMA, do not appear to have been fully met.

UMMA further notes that findings attributed to Arnika have been circulated in foreign media, including Azerbaijani outlets, in ways that portray Armenia negatively in a regional context. This development, the Union argues, raises additional questions about how such information is used beyond purely scientific purposes.

In light of these concerns, UMMA calls on Armenian authorities to strengthen oversight of foreign NGOs, particularly in areas involving the collection and export of environmental and biological samples. The Union stresses that such activities should be conducted under strict legal regulation, with full transparency and accountability.

The statement also raises a broader question regarding international standards, asking whether similar activities would be permitted in other countries under comparable conditions.

UMMA concludes by reaffirming the importance of Armenia’s mining sector as a key pillar of the national economy. It emphasizes that any evaluation or criticism of the sector should be grounded in verified data, rigorous scientific methodology, and full compliance with national regulations.