ArmInfo. Negotiations on the construction of a copper-smelting cluster in Armenia are going in several directions. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan stated in an interview with the Public Television of Armenia.
In particular, he noted that the Ministry of Economy is discussing this project with potential German, Chinese and Russian investors. "Other options are also being considered," he said. At the same time, the minister recalled his recent visit to China, during which he had a meeting with representatives of the large Chinese Citic corporation. With the latter, Kerobyan negotiated the construction of a copper-smelting cluster. "There are certain developments," the head of the department shared in this regard. He stressed that he has rather optimistic expectations, assuring that copper production will be launched in Armenia.
Back in 2019, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia reported that the Chinese Citic company was interested in the construction project of a new copper smelter in the city of Alaverdi, equipped with new technologies that almost completely neutralize emissions, and is ready to discuss further details. In 2021, the Prime Minister announced that construction work would begin in 2025.
In one of his interviews, Vahan Kerobyan stated that the copper smelter is not limited to a separate plant alone, but also to the production of pure copper, the establishment of which in Armenia will allow the production of many other products, starting from engines, cables, etc.
It should be noted that Citic or the China International Trust Investment Corporation (CITIC), is one of the largest state- owned investment corporations in China, which was founded in 1979. The company operates in the field of financial services, resources, energy, manufacturing, engineering, real estate, etc.
