Armenia`s public underestimates mining industry - ZCMC rep

ArmInfo. The public perception of the mining industry is often distorted. Many believe that this  industry harms the environment, while the true significance of its contribution to the development of the country remains in the shadows.

This was stated on November 8 at a seminar for journalists in Kapan,  dedicated to the topic of "Mining Industry and the Agenda for  Economic Development of Armenia", by Deputy Director of the Zangezur  Copper and Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) Vardan Janyan.

In this regard, the deputy director noted that the role of  journalists is extremely important for the future of the industry, as  well as the consent of the public, especially local residents, with  the activities of the plant.  At the same time, he explained that the  mining industry is dynamic and cannot ensure stable production  depending on demand. "Fluctuations in our industry are not related to  demand, as is the case in other areas.  They mainly depend on  geological conditions.

Even with the same volume of production, the amount of copper may  vary due to the characteristics of the deposits. However, our  industry remains stable. The main problem is that the public  underestimates the importance and potential of our sector.

And this problem must be solved>, - explained Janyan. At the same  time, according to the deputy director of ZCMC, the industry is  unique in that it connects workers and their families with their  place of work, which does not happen, for example, in the IT sector,  where specialists can work from anywhere in the world, without being  in Armenia. , - added Janyan.

Touching on tax revenues, he noted that if the Amulsar deposit  operates, and Kajaran and Teghut increase production volumes, then  these three enterprises will be able to provide tax revenues to the  state budget at the level of 1 billion dollars. "This 1 billion  dollar can completely cover our external debt in 13 years," the  deputy director added.

Speaking about the development paths of the industry, the expert  emphasized the need to put into operation deposits that are in a  semi-frozen state, as well as to increase production at existing  deposits. At the same time, the most difficult and lengthy process,  as Janyan explained, is the development of new deposits, which  requires 10 to 20 years to begin their exploitation. In this regard,  as the deputy director noted, exploration of new deposits continues  in Armenia, but even if they are discovered, the results will only  become visible in 10-15 years. , -  the deputy director summarized.