Building a Copper Smelter Never Goes Off Our Agenda, Says Minister of Economy

Building a copper smelter never goes off our agenda, and we are continuously working with all our local and foreign partners, producers, and industry-experienced partners to extend the value chain. This was stated by the Minister of Economy of Armenia, Gevorg Papoyan, during a year-end press conference.

“The Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine raises certain questions in this regard, namely, linking the opening of the copper smelter with the opening of a new deposit, which means they point out that the volumes need to be increased. However, we believe that even the existing volumes should be sufficient to extend the value chain more. This is our opinion, and work in this direction continues,” said the minister.

Papoyan also addressed the following: “Currently, there are two products, and we are discussing, negotiating with Azerbaijan to open their import possibilities. We will announce which products are being discussed.”

“The businessman tells us, let’s say, we want to bring this product. We start talking to our partners, get agreement, and confirm, saying we can also bring this product,” said the minister, emphasizing that when the final approval is obtained, they will reveal which products are being discussed to avoid additional waiting and pressure during negotiations on both sides.