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EU Workshop on Human Rights and Environmental Aspects in Mining in Yerevan

18.06.25
EU Workshop on Human Rights and Environmental Aspects in Mining in Yerevan

On June 18, a workshop commenced in Yerevan aimed at examining the development of responsible business practices in the mining sector in the context of human rights and environmental protection.

The workshop was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe’s “Human Rights and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices” programme. It brought together business and corporate executives of mining companies, legal and compliance officers, corporate social responsibility specialists, representatives of the consulting sector, and representatives of public institutions. Hasmik Manukyan, Head of the Armenia EITI National Secretariat, was also invited as a speaker.

The participants were welcomed by Asatur Vardanyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia and member of the Armenia EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group, and Tigran Karapetyan, Head of the Council of Europe programme.

The workshop addressed a number of sector-specific concerns, presenting international standards for ensuring sustainability and responsible business conduct, as well as the benefits that such approaches can offer in terms of business growth and profitability.

Particular attention was paid to the requirements and criteria for assessing the environmental impact of mining activities. In this context, relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights was also presented.

Participants had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with international standards for responsible mining and the tools used to assess compliance with these standards, with particular emphasis on successful practices where businesses have combined profitability with sustainability and social responsibility.

In addition, legal issues related to the mining sector were discussed, ranging from public-private partnerships and the human rights obligations of state-owned enterprises to the legal regulation of foreign investment and the proportionate incorporation of the public interest into investment agreements.

The workshop represented another step towards fostering constructive dialogue, particularly around responsible mining, regulatory policy, and the integration of sustainable development objectives.