(a1plus.am) - Over 16 lorries are to be transported to Armenia by the end of 2007 under the agreement signed between AGRC, Ararat gold extracting plant, and Belarusian BelAZ, one of the leading world's manufacturer of haul trucks and specialized equipment, reports Trend.
The first four trucks will be transported at the end of November. 130-ton vehicles will replace 45-55-ton trucks used in the gold mines of Vardenis for already 20 years.
Trucks of BelAZ will be transported to Armenia for the first time.
To note: BelAZ supplies dump trucks, graders, automotive spare parts and tires to a lot of companies all over the world
The treaty between AGRC and BelAZ cost over 30 million USD. Mr. Sharman, executive director of AGRC, informed A1+ that BelAZ will also provide the gold mines of Ararat with all necessary spares.
He also assured that 30 million USD allotted to AGRC is only the first investment in the company and they intend to reach it to 100 million USD. AGRC is to pay 12 million USD according to the preliminary arrangement. Thus, we initiate our technical armament, said Mr. Sharman.
The representatives of BelAZ also attached great significance to the treaty. We have worked fruitfully with three countries; Armenia, India and Belarus. The treaty will contribute to the further co-operation. I assume that our trucks are of great demand all over the world. AGRC is well aware of digging and we are well aware of transporting, announced Vladimir Loyken, executive director of BelAZ.
BelAZ also co-operates with other Armenian enterprises, namely with the Kajaran, Zangezour and Agarak copper molybdenum enterprises.
By the way, Mr. Sharman says that the rumors that Indians are going to sell AGRC do not correspond to the reality.
We have great projects to implement in Armenia, says Mr. Sharman. We work in Armenia and we are obliged to meet the country's laws. A new plant will be built in Ararat. We are currently working on the project. After the project is affirmed, we shall start construction works. AGRC employs over 964 people. Provided the new plant works, their number will be added by 300, added Mr. Sharman.
He also assured that soon all the employees of AGRC will get equal wages.
