Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan today signed into law a bill modifying the country’s Subsoil Code that would exempt mining companies from postponing operations if the public voiced opposition and launched “civil disobedience.”

In May, several environmental and community organizations issued a statement arguing that the bill is anti-democratic and would negate any public impact on such operations.

They stated that the bill contradicts Armenia’s constitution, the Aarhaus Convention and the country’s Environmental Impact Assessment Law.

The bill, already approved by the parliament, states companies that have received mining permits will have their permits extended automatically, without undergoing new inspections, if subjected to “force majeure” natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes, as well as war, terrorism, civil war and civil disobedience.

Extensions will be issued if such events took place four years before the law enters force.

President Khacaturyan’s office, in a statement issued today, said the bill has been reviewed by various government experts and that nothing unconstitutional was found.

The statement says the president remains open to discussion on topics of public import.