Let's first see if there is uranium in Syunik, says energy minister

A rally is expected to be held in the town of Kapan, Syunik marz (province) as a protest against the uranium resource research activities in Lernadzor village.

Searching for uranium has kicked up discontent among the local residents and environmentalists amid health concerns due to the exploitation of the mines, should any uranium be found there.

"I don't think that it makes sense to speak about exploitation of uranium now," Armenia's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan told Tert.am, asked to comment about the expected rally.

According to him there can be no word about exploitation of uranium now.

"We are simply speaking about site research. First of all it is necessary to see whether or not there is uranium, whether it is of industrial use," explained he, adding that specialists are simultaneously looking for other metals.

Further Mr Movsisyan said that the organizers of the protest are not residents of Syunik, but rather of Yerevan.

"Those people who have instigated the process in Syunik are not residents of that area," said Mr Movsisyan.

Earlier, Armenian media reported that the equipment designed to conduct the search has been burned down in Lernadzor.