A leading environmental activist argued today that mining operations in Armenia contribute little in the way of economic development.

Karineh Danielyan, President of the United Nations Environment Programme's National Committee, stated that there are some 500 working mines in Armenia today and 300 more in the works, but that mining related activities only contributes 3-4% of the nation's GDP.

Mrs. Danielyan also said that despite the government's development strategy of prioritizing mining, agriculture and tourism, it was impossible to harmonize all three sectors in such a small country as Armenia.