ArmInfo. Without advanced mining and metallurgy industries, it is impossible to imagine Armenia's technological development today, from artificial intelligence (AI) to military-industrial production. Vardan Janyan, Vice President of the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) and Head of the Union of Miners and Metallurgists of Armenia, made this statement during a press briefing today at the opening of the RISE exhibition and forum.
According to him, the mining industry, and ZCMC in particular, provides the domestic economy with strategically important raw materials – copper and molybdenum. "Copper is one of the key components for modern electronics, telecommunications, and data centers. Without it, technological development is impossible. Molybdenum, in turn, is widely used in the production of alloys essential for mechanical engineering and the defense sector," Janyan noted. At the same time, he emphasized that the industry contributes to the development of high-tech industries not only as a supplier of raw materials but also as one of the country's largest taxpayers.
"The mining industry generates significant revenue for the state budget, which in turn funds key development programs, including those in high-tech and the military-industrial complex," Janyan noted. "It is vital for us to participate in these processes and facilitate the advancement of sectors that hold strategic importance for the state." Highlighting that the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine served as an official partner of the RISE forum, Janyan emphasized that the country's largest industrial enterprise felt a distinct responsibility to support an initiative so closely aimed at accelerating Armenia's technological ecosystem.
The RISE Forum and Exhibition is taking place from June 3–4 at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. Supported by the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine, the event is organized by the Union of Employers of Information and Communication Technologies of Armenia. The forum's core concept is built around three pillars—Research & Development, Innovation, Science, and Engineering (RISE)—which together form the bedrock of technological advancement. Over the course of the two-day event, participants will focus on three critical domains: the defense industry, engineering solutions, and cybersecurity. Panelists and speakers include prominent representatives from both domestic and international corporations, alongside research centers operating throughout Armenia.
More than 40 companies are participating in the exhibition, presenting solutions in defense technology and the engineering industry. The program also includes training, practical exercises, and technology demonstrations, including training in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation. The forum will also feature panel discussions and B2B meetings aimed at developing business contacts and launching new joint projects.
It is worth noting that ZCMC is one of the top 5 largest taxpayers in Armenia. In 2025, the plant contributed 52.2 billion drams to the state treasury in tax revenue. According to the Statistics Committee, the mining industry demonstrated a 36.8% increase in production volumes in the first quarter of 2026 (compared to a 10.6% decline in the same period in 2025), generating revenue of 163.8 billion drams.
