Azerbaijan Attempts to Weaken Armenia's Economy: Targeting Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant and Ararat Gold Extraction Deal

The Union of Miners and Metallurgists of Armenia expresses deep concern over the targeting of our country's mining industry both within and outside of Armenia, as well as the spread of disinformation, defamatory and false accusations, which could have serious consequences for Armenia's economic stability.

“Member organizations of the union are well aware of the industry's problems and are actively seeking to implement the best solutions. In recent years, Armenia's mining sector has made significant progress in terms of sustainable management. We did not expect that Armenian environmental organizations would notice or encourage these changes. However, we at least hoped that they would exercise caution based on national interests and refrain from supporting Azerbaijan's political goals to present Armenia as a 'regional disaster' and prevent investments in our country.

There are numerous examples. The most recent includes coordinated statements made by Azerbaijani organizations and officials against Armenia's mining industry, which unfortunately directly target Armenian organizations. Support for Armenian environmental organizations is openly voiced in Azerbaijan in the fight against our sector.

It is evident that, even if some Armenian NGOs had no such intentions, they will be used against our economy. Meanwhile, sector experts have repeatedly warned Armenian NGOs about such a turnaround. Another example is recent research conducted by some Czech organization in cooperation with two Armenian environmental NGOs in Armenia’s mining regions.

Concerns were raised from Armenian expert circles regarding both the potential quality of that organization’s research and the publication of any unfounded 'results', which could be exploited by unfriendly countries. Indeed, the publications of the 'research' results were immediately followed by active releases in pro-Azerbaijani media, attempting to depict Armenia as an environmental hell and Armenian mining as a source of pollution in the region.

It is known that Azerbaijan is trying by all possible means to weaken Armenia's economy. Regrettably, we must recall the project of the Yerekhsh Metal Processing Plant. Azerbaijan invested all its resources into aborting that project, which resulted in the factory relocation and caused millions of dollars in damage to our economy.

Azerbaijan has long targeted the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, the Kapan and Kajaran plants, the still non-operational Amulsar mine, the Ararat gold extraction deal, and Teghut, mostly with absurd, blatantly false, and dangerous accusations, many of which lamentably cite representatives of Armenian NGOs.

With surprising organization, a number of Armenian public organizations have been systematically writing letters to international bodies supporting Azerbaijan's efforts to block investment in Armenia.

We have no intention of limiting anyone's right to express concern. However, we want to remind that unprofessional evaluations, baseless accusations, and disinformation provide fertile ground for Azerbaijan's propaganda resources, casting doubt on the prospects of having responsible and modern mining practices in our country.

Once again, we are compelled to call for maximum caution in public statements and to avoid defamatory remarks that the sector organizations have to respond to with lawsuits, including in the interest of the country,” the statement reads.