Safety and labour rights under threat at Armenia’s Akhtala mining plant

Workers at the plant report the absence of safe and healthy workplaces, alongside repeated breaches of technical safety rules that expose them to high risks to life and health. According to employees, these conditions fall short of Armenian labour legislation and prevent workers from fully exercising their constitutional rights.

Article 82 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia guarantees every worker the right to healthy, safe and dignified working conditions, limits on working hours and access to rest and paid leave. Miners say these standards are not being respected at Akhtala Mining and Processing Plant CJSC, where social guarantees are also reportedly lacking.

Concerns over unsafe working conditions have been compounded by a wage dispute. On 10 January 2026, miners submitted a request for a salary increase. After the employer failed to address the request, mining operations were suspended from 15 January, reflecting workers' growing frustration over both pay and safety.

On 22 January, 52 miners sought support from the Branch Union of Trade Union Organizations of Miners, Metallurgists and Jewellers of the Republic of Armenia (TUMMJRA an IndustriALL affiliate), requesting representation and protection of their social, economic and professional rights.

Despite a written request from the union to engage in dialogue, management at Akhtala Mining and Processing Plant CJSC has reportedly failed to respond.

IndustriALL assistant general secretary, Kemal Özkan, said:

IndustriALL is urging the Armenian authorities to carry out a comprehensive inspection of the plant to assess compliance with national labour and occupational safety legislation and to require the employer to immediately remedy any violations identified.

Without swift and effective action, IndustriALL warns, miners at Akhtala continue to face unacceptable risks to their health, safety and livelihoods.

Photo: Shutterstock

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