Alexander Belyaev: “Sustainable Development of the Industry Means Investing in Technology & People ”
— Alexander Belyaev Armenian Mining and Metallurgy Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary. What would you like to wish the Union and its members on this important occasion?
— First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate the Armenian Mining and Metallurgy Association on its 20th anniversary. Twenty years is a significant milestone, representing years of substantial work aimed at developing the mining and metallurgical sectors, bringing together the professional community, and establishing constructive dialogue between businesses, the state, and society.
On behalf of the entire team of the Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine, I would like to thank the Union for its cooperation, open professional dialogue, and contribution to the development of the industry. I wish the Union continued growth, new initiatives, and, most importantly, an active role in shaping a modern and competitive mining industry in Armenia.
Today, the industry faces a number of serious challenges: technological development of enterprises, improving production efficiency, responsible environmental management, developing the mineral resource base, and, of course, training a new generation of professionals. I am convinced that these challenges can only be addressed through joint efforts by the state, business, the professional community, and educational institutions.
— How is the Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine developing today? What would you identify as the main stages of its modernization?
— ACMC is an enterprise with a rich history, having operated for more than seven decades. But for us, history is not only about the past; it also represents our responsibility for the future of the enterprise.
For more than 20 years, we have been consistently implementing a large-scale modernization program. During this period, capital investment has exceeded USD 100 million. We have modernized key production facilities, built a new flotation department, commissioned a new grinding department with additional mills, and are gradually replacing outdated equipment with modern one.
In recent years, new flotation machines for the recovery of molybdenum and copper have also been commissioned. We continue to upgrade our grinding equipment, test modern materials and technologies, and study international best practices.
It is fundamentally important to us that modernization is not limited simply to replacing equipment. We want to develop a modern production culture in which specialists continuously improve their skills, become familiar with new solutions, and bring international experience to the enterprise.
— What are the key projects shaping the Combine’s prospects for the coming years?
— One of our main objectives is to increase the plant’s processing capacity from the current 4.5 million tonnes to 6–6.5 million tonnes of ore per year. At the same time, we are working to improve metal recovery rates.
In recent years, we have managed to significantly improve these indicators. Copper recovery has increased from approximately 74% to 79–81%, while molybdenum recovery has reached 74-78 %.
Another strategic project is the transition to dry stacking of tailings. We consider this technology an important element of the enterprise’s sustainable development. It will allow us to reduce the pressure on the existing tailings facility and establish a more modern system for managing processing waste.
Approximately USD 50–60 million is planned for these and other projects. These are substantial investments, but they are essential for ensuring the enterprise’s long-term efficiency, extending its operating life, and improving the environmental safety of production.
At the same time, we are preparing for further geological exploration and additional assessment of the mineral resource base. The long-term prospects of a mining company cannot be secured without a clear understanding of its reserves and the opportunities for their rational extraction.
— Sustainable development is receiving increasing attention today. How is this principle being implemented at ACMC?
— For a modern mining enterprise, sustainable development is no longer an additional area of activity; it is an integral part of its strategy.
Any mining operation has an impact on the environment, and our task is to minimize that impact by applying modern technologies and international standards. That is why we invest not only in increasing production efficiency, but also in environmental projects, including modern solutions for tailings management.
At the same time, sustainable development is not limited to environmental protection. It also includes occupational safety, development of employees’ professional skills, stable employment, cooperation with local communities, and corporate social responsibility.
— ACMC is a major employer and a key enterprise for the local community. How do you work with the community?
— This is a matter of fundamental importance to us. AMMC provides employment for more than 1,100 people, and almost every family in Agarak is directly or indirectly connected with the enterprise. Therefore, the well-being of the Combine and the well-being of the town are inseparable for us.
We maintain constant cooperation with local authorities and participate in social and infrastructure projects. In particular, we have carried out major repairs of the roofs of 11 apartment buildings, participate in the renovation of building entrances, and contribute to the construction and rehabilitation of roads. The reconstruction of the town stadium is also among our upcoming projects.
We also support cultural and community initiatives in Meghri & Agarac. We believe that corporate social responsibility is not limited to financial support for individual projects. Above all, it means maintaining continuous and constructive cooperation with people and the local community.
For me personally, it is especially important that we have managed to establish constructive working dialogue in Armenia with government authorities, local communities, and our employees. Such cooperation enables us to address complex challenges and creates a foundation for long-term development.
— In your opinion, what is the key condition for the successful future of Armenia’s mining industry?
— I would highlight three main factors: modern technologies, professional human resources, and a responsible approach to the development of the industry.
We should use favorable periods in the market not simply to improve current performance, but to invest in the future. This is why we continue our modernization efforts even under favorable market conditions.
We need to train young professionals, develop Armenia’s geological expertise and educational base, introduce modern technologies, and at the same time raise environmental and social standards.
If the industry continues to move in this direction, it will remain an important component of Armenia’s economy and will be able to create long-term value not only for enterprises, but also for the regions in which they operate.
Once again, I would like to congratulate the Armenian Mining and Metallurgy Association on its 20th anniversary. I wish the Union new professional achievements, successful projects, and further strengthening of the industry’s professional community. I am confident that joint efforts and open dialogue will help make Armenia’s mining industry more modern, sustainable, and competitive.
