Baku Claims 'Assessment of Mineral Resources in Eastern Zangezur and Artsakh is Concluding'

“The work on assessing mineral resources in Eastern Zangezur and Artsakh is concluding,” stated Ali Aliyev, the chairman of the Geological Exploration Agency, during a conversation with journalists today, as reported by Azatutyun.

According to the Azerbaijani official, “the extent of damages caused to Azerbaijan during the Armenian occupation in those areas will serve as a basis for future legal actions for compensation.”

Aliyev asserted that gold reserves in the Seyudlu mine (Kelbajar region) are estimated at 112.5 tons, 6.5 tons in the Vejnali mine (Zangelan region), along with 10.75 tons of silver and nearly 4,000 tons of copper. The copper reserves in the Demirli (Kashen) mine are reported to be 457,000 tons, while gold reserves in the Gyzabulagh (Drmbon) mine stand at 13.7 tons.

Investigations by the Azatutyun radio station revealed that the rights to exploit several mines in Artsakh were sold to the UK-registered company Anglo-Asian Mining by Azerbaijani authorities 25 years ago. This British company has recently appealed to the United Nations and several foreign countries, seeking assistance in restoring its rights to exploit several mineral deposits in Artsakh, as well as ensuring safe physical access for its personnel to the mines.