Big data analytics, real-time monitoring, and process automation today have become the new standards for business efficiency and safety. Armenia’s largest industrial enterprise, the Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC), has also entered an active phase of digital transformation. Ahead of Doing Digital Forum 2026, we spoke with Sadyk Azimov, Deputy General Director for Digitalization at ZCMC, about these developments․
–In a traditionally conservative industry like mining, what specifically do you mean by “digital transformation”? Are we talking about simple technical upgrades, or is it a more fundamental shift in how the business operates?
-Digital transformation is a complex change and affects all areas of the business. It involves structuring business processes and implementing appropriate tools. Physical assets and production facilities are equipped with the necessary technologies (sensors, control systems), and IT systems are introduced. Data is collected and analyzed across enterprise processes. This data is then used to optimize operations and improve key performance parameters, for example, reducing equipment downtime.
–How are new data collection and analytics tools changing the decision-making process in mining? Can you share any examples where data has truly become a “game changer” for the business?
-Of course, here are some basic examples. Data on events and operational conditions is now provided directly and in real time. Data collection and analytics tools enable the processing of large datasets, generating recommendations and allowing the modeling of production scenarios based on technological parameters. This leads to increased productivity and reduced production costs, while also enabling the creation of a single source of truth.
–Based on your experience, how can digitalization help a company achieve its ESG goals, and can this be turned into a real competitive advantage?
-With a sufficient level of digitalization, companies gain transparency and control over compliance with requirements and standards, as well as the ability to respond quickly to events and challenges. Digitalization supports the achievement of ESG goals through the implementation of specific measures: improving discipline in occupational health and safety and reducing incidents, ensuring transparency and monitoring of environmental parameters while minimizing industrial risks, and enhancing the transparency and timeliness of information for decision-making.
–To what extent do digital solutions actually reduce risks in health and safety management, and which specific technologies do you consider to be the most impactful in this area?
-HSE is a comprehensive and top-priority area for industrial enterprises. In my view, there are no more or less important aspects within HSE. For example, speed control systems in open-pit operations reduce the risk of incidents, while monitoring systems for technological parameters at processing plants help prevent industrial accidents. Examples are many and all are equally important.
–If you had to name one key digital trend that could radically transform the mining industry in the coming years, what would it be and why?
-There are several promising digital trends in the mining and processing industry, and their prioritization depends on the strategy of a particular enterprise. If I had to highlight one, it would be the implementation of integrated, end-to-end management processes across mining and processing operations. For example, in a complex, multi-stage production environment, planning of production and sales can be managed as a single, unified process. This integrated planning approach allows companies to adapt more quickly to both external and internal factors.
The Doing Digital Forum, entitled “Bridging Platforms and Economies” this year, will be held on April 8 at Dvin Hall in Yerevan.
Since its launch in 2023, DDF has brought together over 60 prominent speakers and more than 3,000 participants from Armenia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE, Germany, Australia, and the CIS countries. The forum is organized by SPRING PR Company, with Visa serving as the Innovation Partner, imID as the Digital Identity Partner, aeda as the Blockchain Partner, Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine as the Industrial Transformation Partner, and Freedom Broker Armenia as the Investment partner.