BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 1. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on measures
to ensure the development of the mining (metal ores) and metallurgy
industries in the country, Trend reports.


"The development of the mining (metal ores) and metallurgy
industries in the Republic of Azerbaijan is of strategic importance
for the diversification of the economy, deepening
industrialization, expanding the structure of exports, and
accelerating the socio-economic development of the regions.


As a result of reforms carried out in recent years, the
foundations for the industrial production of aluminum, gold,
silver, and copper have been laid, and part of the metal ore
reserves have been directed towards industrial use. Industrial
extraction of noble and non-ferrous metal deposits has been
organized through AzerGold Closed Joint Stock Company, and modern
processing infrastructure has been established.


The renewal of ore processing plants in Dashkasan and Gadabay
districts, as well as the exploitation of prospective deposits in
the newly liberated territories, has expanded the production and
export capacities of the mining (metal ores) and metallurgy
industries. Additionally, the creation of the Western Industrial
Park provides opportunities to expand the processing of iron ore
reserves and deepen the value chain in the metallurgy industry.


At the same time, it's necessary to take additional measures for
the efficient use of the existing mineral raw material base,
strengthening production links between the extraction and
processing stages, harmonizing infrastructure and logistics
decisions, as well as expanding public-private partnerships.


Against the backdrop of the global energy transition and the
development of high technologies, the growing demand for metals
further enhances the strategic importance of this sector.
Azerbaijan’s rich mineral resources, competitive energy supply,
industrial promotion mechanisms, and its location on the Middle
Corridor create favorable conditions for the sustainable
development of related industrial sectors," the decree reads.


According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers must:


- Prepare a draft of the "State Program for the Development of
the Mining (Metal Ores) and Metallurgy Industries in Azerbaijan for
2027–2030" within four months and submit it to the President of
Azerbaijan.


- Ensure the inclusion of the draft State Program in the "Social
and Economic Development Strategy of Azerbaijan for 2027–2030" and
the "Second State Program on the Great Return to Azerbaijan's
liberated territories" approved by the Presidential decree of May
30, 2025.


- Take into account ongoing or planned private sector projects
in the mining and metallurgy sectors in the draft State Program,
and establish mechanisms for support within the program.


- Ensure envisioning of measures to elevate the production
capacity and expand export opportunities for "Azeraluminium" LLC in
the draft state program, including:


- Completion of the electrolysis plant project and increase of
its annual production capacity to 100,000 tons by 2030.


- Continuing the production of aluminum rolling products,
reaching an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons by 2030.


- Ensure the identification of financing sources and the
implementation of the construction of the calcination and anode
baking plant together with the relevant state bodies (institutions)
in accordance with the feasibility study prepared by the Azerbaijan
Investment Holding;


- Take measures to improve energy and transport tariffs to
increase the competitiveness of metallurgical products, and,
including allotment of additional land and meeting electricity
demands, if required.


- Take necessary measures to complete the electrolysis plant
project and increase the annual production capacity to 100,000 tons
by 2030, as well as to continue the aluminum rolling products
production project and increase the annual production capacity to
50,000 tons by 2030, taking into account the feasibility study
prepared by the Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and to finance it
from the state budget;


- ensure transfer of the assets of "Azeraluminium" JSC to the
balance sheet of "Azeraluminium" LLC,


- take necessary measures to write off the debts of creditors,
as well as the debts to state organizations and the Guarantee Fund,
the payment of which was granted a 25-year grace period in
accordance with the decree No. 678 of the President of Azerbaijan
dated March 31, 2001 "On approval of the agreement on the right to
manage the "Azerbaijan Aluminum" Joint Stock Company", as well as
the debts arising from the state debt and guarantee
obligations;


- take necessary measures to terminate tax liability in
accordance with the Tax Code of Azerbaijan;


- Resolve other issues arising from this decree.


According to the document, "Azerbaijan Aluminum" OJSC is being
liquidated.


The Ministry of Finance must ensure the repayment of debts to
non-state entities using the state budget or other financial
sources, with the submission of relevant documents within one
month.


The Azerbaijan Investment Holding must take necessary measures
to resolve the issues outlined in this decree.