Exit from and entry into the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine in the southern Armenian province of Syunik has been restricted, according to media reports. A special detachment of the country's National Security Service, known as the Alpha squad, has broken into the factory.

The management of the plant has suspended the production process, the mine is not working, Aravot reports.

Garik Ghazaryan, founder of Azhdanak, one of the plant's subsidiaries, was reportedly detained on July 13. The residents of Kajaran, the town hosting the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine, are allegedly planning to stage rally demanding Ghazaryan's release.

MP elect Vahe Hakobyan from the opposition Armenia bloc said on July 13 that the authorities have blocked the exports of concentrate. According to him, products worth $20 million have not been shipped abroad.