This paper aims to inform Armenia'spolicy dialogue on environmental and social issues in themining sector. The paper is based on the premise that forthe mining sector to have positive, long-term impacts inArmenia, it is necessary to take into consideration theshort- and long-term environmental and social impacts of thesector and to promote strategic planning and efficientmanagement of natural resources. The mining sector inArmenia has yet to adopt global best practices in thissector, and this paper aims to provide guidance on some ofthe mechanisms that can be adopted to improve the governanceand overall impact of mining in the country. The document isstructured as follows: chapter one presents an introductionto this thematic paper. Chapter two provides an overview ofthe mining sector in Armenia, including its underpinninginstitutional and regulatory framework. It also singles outpolicy gaps and regulatory inconsistencies that need to beaddressed. Chapter three presents some useful lessons of theapplication of SESA as a tool for sustainable planning ofmining development in the country. This chapter alsocompares uses of an SESA versus Environmental ImpactAssessments and defines the need and use of CIAs. Chapterfour describes the principles of valuation of naturalcapital as a means to complement traditional cost-benefitanalysis and comparisons of development alternatives in thedecision-making process. Chapter five looks at the designand implementation of benefit-sharing mechanisms to ensurethat the mining activities lead to positive social impactsacross the country. Chapter six looks at the process ofdetermining and dealing with the social costs of mining inArmenia. Chapter seven provides a series of conclusions andrecommendations as well as implementation challenges thatwould summarize the application of such recommendations inpresent-day Armenia and its mining sector.
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