- Places of interest
Abandoned Copper Smelter in Alaverdi
Alaverdi
Explore the abandoned plant, enjoy the surrounding views
About
Alaverdi Copper-Chemical Plant
The Alaverdi Copper-Chemical Plant was founded in 1957. Ore mined and processed in Akhtala and Shamlugh was brought here for refining and then shipped onward by rail. By 1969 the plant had become the leading supplier of raw material for copper cable and electrical equipment components across Armenia. Copper production gradually stopped with the collapse of the Soviet Union. The closure of the Akhtala mines meant that some of the workshops had already ceased operating in the 1990s. For many years the copper smelter was the economic heart of Alaverdi, but running it was costly, and the plant released thousands of tons of toxic waste into the atmosphere. The plant is not operating at present.Cable Car
The cable car is not operating now.Practical
- Price and tickets
- Car (your own or rental)
In short: before renting, decide whether you actually need a car for your route, season, and driving experience.
What to consider: city traffic vs mountain and winter sections; insurance and deposit terms; where to park near your destination. There are many cameras on the roads; check fines and payment against the rental rules and local regulations — don't put it off "until you leave the country" without checking the contract.
A common mistake: renting a car "just in case" without checking the season and the return trip from a remote location.
Next: between cities.
- Guided tour
A guided tour can help you see places in context and save time on putting together an itinerary. Check the format, group size, and route when choosing a tour.
On site
Nearby
All on the map4 within 5 km
