Azerbaijan targets higher metal output amid rising global demand

Azerbaijan announced plans to increase the extraction and production of copper, gold, and silver as part of a broader strategy to develop its mining and metallurgy sector.

The announcement was made by Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov during a meeting chaired by President Ilham Aliyev, which focused on the State Program for the Development of the Mining (Metal Ores) and Metallurgical Industry in Azerbaijan for the period 2027–2030.

Jabbarov said that copper production is expected to rise significantly, while gold output will be expanded through both existing projects and new initiatives. He added that the country’s total exports of copper, gold and silver are projected to increase from AZN 600 million in 2025 to AZN 1.6 billion by 2030.

The minister noted that the forecast is based on average global prices recorded in 2025. He highlighted that prices of several strategic metals have risen sharply over the past decade and that global demand for these metals is expected to grow further over the next decade.

According to Jabbarov, demand is projected to increase by 23 % for aluminum, 21 % for copper, 15 % for zinc and 10 % for gold.

He added that expanding local supplies of raw materials and semi‑finished products could support the development of new industrial sectors, increase demand for skilled workers, and strengthen technical expertise and scientific capacity in Azerbaijan.

For more information, readers can consult official statements from the Ministry of Economy and the State Program documents.

Article and image source: azernews.az