Alaverdi Copper Smelter
The Alaverdi Copper Smelter is one of the most impressive industrial sites in Armenia. For more than 250 years, this factory shaped the town of Alaverdi. Today, most of the huge complex stands abandoned, while only a small part of the site is still used for copper production. The old workshops, silent rail yard, and giant chimney make it a fascinating place to explore.
- Built 1770 and 1963
- Abandoned 2018
- Parts reconverted 2025
- Parts demolished 2025
- Visited 2023
The history of the Alaverdi Copper Smelter began in 1770. Georgian king Erekle II ordered the construction of the first copper foundry in the Debed Canyon. At first, the smelter produced between 60 and 200 tonnes of copper each year.
Everything changed in the late nineteenth century. Russian and French investors developed the copper industry, and the region became one of the most important mining areas in the Russian Empire. By 1903, the mines around Alaverdi produced about 13% of all copper in the empire.
During the Soviet period, the factory expanded again. A completely new smelter opened in 1963, replacing older facilities. The industry turned Alaverdi from a small settlement into a busy industrial town. At its peak in the 1980s, the plant produced almost 55,000 tonnes of refined copper every year. The enormous smokestack became the symbol of the town and could be seen from many kilometers away.
Pollution and Closure
The copper industry brought jobs, but it also caused serious pollution. For decades, the smelter released large amounts of sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases into the air. Many local people suffered from health problems, while forests around the town were badly damaged.
In October 2018, the Armenian government suspended production because the outdated equipment could no longer meet environmental standards. More than 200 workers lost their jobs, and the town entered a difficult period.
What You See Today
When we visited, only a small building inside the complex was active. The rest of the factory was empty. Large production halls, warehouses, and industrial buildings stood silent. Rust covered the machinery, while broken windows looked out over the Debed River. One of the highlights was the abandoned railway yard. Here we found three Soviet ТГМ4A (TGM4A) diesel locomotives. Each locomotive weighs about 80 tonnes and has a 550 kW (750 hp) engine.
The locomotives we found were the ТГМ4A-1374, built in 1981. The ТГМ4A-2186, built in 1985, and the ТГМ4A-2599, built in 1987.
A Changing Future
The Alaverdi Copper Smelter is disappearing. During 2025, many abandoned buildings were demolished or cleared as the town started a new chapter. Local authorities now focus more on tourism, helped by the nearby UNESCO monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, instead of heavy industry.
