Alaverdi copper smelter plant to close sooner or later: acting deputy PM

The decision to close Alaverdi copper smelter plant will result in unemployment of 650 people, ARF-D faction secretary Armenuhi Kyureghyan said at the NA-Government Q&A.

“If to consider that Teghut mine has also closed, it appears that more than 1800 employees have lost their jobs in Alaverdi region,” the MP said.

Kyureghyan stressed while discussing the issue opinions were voiced that the plant has been closed with the government’s demand for ensuring environment protection norms.

In response, acting deputy prime minister Tigran Avinyan said that no final discussion has taken place over closing the plant. He said as of the moment joint discussions are taking place with representatives of Alaverdy plant, Teghut and VTB bank.

“The issue is common, it relates to Teghut. The government is actively involved in the talks,” he said.

He stressed that the copper plant issue should not be viewed from the viewpoint of jobs only as both by local and international standards it badly pollutes the environment.

“It will be closed sooner or later. But in parallel investment programs are being viewed. Discussions are ongoing over construction of bigger copper smelter complex which will produce 100,000 tons of concentrate annually,” he said.