ArmInfo. The annual reporting conference of the Armenian Mining and Metallurgical Association (AMMA), held in Yerevan on July 2, was marked by the signing of two key memoranda of cooperation. These documents are set to establish a new direction and bring fresh substance to AMMA’s interaction with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the Union of Geologists of Armenia.
The memoranda were officially signed by David Khudatyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia; Vahan Grigoryan, President of the Union of Geologists of Armenia; and Vardan Dzhanyan, President of the Armenian Mining and Metallurgical Association.
During the conference, participants reviewed reports on the work accomplished over the past period, key industry trends, major achievements, and long-term prospects. The attendees also outlined future plans, new avenues for expanding cooperation, and steps toward international integration.
Welcoming the guests, AMMA President Vardan Dzhanyan highlighted the strategic importance of the mining and metallurgical sector to the country's economy and emphasized the need for its strong positioning on the international stage. He noted that over recent years, the association has successfully made the industry's significance far more visible and apparent to the public.
Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Asatur Vardanyan noted in his speech that the development of the mining sector demands a responsible approach, wide integration of modern technologies, high environmental standards, and an open dialogue with society. According to him, these are the exact principles driving the Ministry’s policy, which aims to improve the legislative framework, simplify administration, and expand international partnerships.
"In this context, we place special emphasis on cooperation with our partners, particularly AMMA. We share close ties with the Association; a joint working group has been operating for about a year now, yielding tangible results and actively participating in ongoing sector reforms. We view today's memorandum as a powerful catalyst for further deepening our interaction. I believe it will bring the state, the private sector, and our scientific community closer together, contributing to the sustainable growth of the industry. The newly established joint fund will serve the same purpose, allowing us to conduct research analytics more systematically, evaluate the efficiency of natural resource utilization, and boost the sector's investment attractiveness," the Deputy Minister concluded.
Edgar Zakaryan, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia, also expressed optimism, hoping that Armenia would maximize the efficiency of its mineral and raw material resources, generate higher value-added products, and strengthen its competitiveness in international markets.
In turn, Vahan Grigoryan, President of the Union of Geologists of Armenia, underscored the strategic value of the partnership with AMMA:
"The signed memorandum is a clear strategic step aimed at consolidating our professional and scientific potential. I am confident that this document will become not just a legal foundation for the interaction between our two organizations, but also a symbol of trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. It will unlock new horizons for joint research programs, broader international cooperation, and a more efficient realization of Armenia’s mining, geological, and metallurgical potential."
Following the opening remarks, AMMA President Vardan Dzhanyan presented the annual performance report of the organization. He stated that over the past two years, the association has prioritized its international agenda. The head of AMMA emphasized that in close cooperation with the Government and the National Assembly, extensive efforts have been made to align the local industry with cutting-edge international standards and requirements.
During the reporting period, the association significantly expanded its global reach, signing memoranda with partners from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Mr. Dzhanyan specifically highlighted AMMA's official membership in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
Substantial progress was also achieved in organizing and actively participating in international forums. Furthermore, special attention was paid to the media coverage of AMMA's activities, including the launch of its official website and increased engagement across social media platforms.
Concluding the presentations, Anna Saghabalyan, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the "Mining Armenia Forum 2026" international forum, presented the concept and upcoming plans for the event. This year, the summit will feature an expanded format, bringing together new partners and prominent speakers, including leading specialists in biodiversity management within the mining sector.
This strategic focus is intentional: the "Mining Armenia Forum 2026" is scheduled for October 16–17 and will serve as an essential prologue to the COP17 international climate conference, which is set to open in Yerevan immediately following the forum's conclusion.
