The Armenian Highlands are rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources. The most abundant metal deposits are located along the edges of the highlands — in the folded mountain ranges of the Eastern Pontic, Armenian Taurus, and the Lesser Caucasus — where volcanic intrusions are either exposed or lie very close to the surface.
Among the notable iron ore deposits are those in Dashkesan on the northeastern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus, as well as deposits discovered in Agdzhni, the Ardvin region, and Turuberan. Since ancient times, the iron deposits of Zangezur, Gümüşhane, and Karin have also been known.
The Armenian Highlands are especially rich in non-ferrous metals, particularly copper. One of the largest copper deposits is found in the Eastern (Armenian) Taurus mountains, near the fortress town of Arkni. Copper and associated polymetallic deposits (including gold, silver, lead, and zinc) are located in the Baberd region, near the road leading to the Black Sea, and in the Dzorokh basin (Speri region). Copper and polymetallic resources are also significant in the Lesser Caucasus and the Armenian (Karadagh) mountains. The highlands’ subsoil is also rich in chromite, antimony, and arsenic.
Gold and silver deposits are abundant in Agirokastro (now Gümüşhane), south of Lake Van, in the Armenian Taurus mountains, and elsewhere.
Approximately one-third of the Armenian Highlands is covered by volcanic lava, which has led to rich deposits of construction materials, including tuff, pumice, and perlite. Large tuff deposits are found in the Aragats and Sipan mountain ranges, as well as on the Shirak plain. The highlands are also abundant in basalt, granite, and marble. Basalt reserves are so extensive that they are considered virtually inexhaustible.
In comparison, fossil fuel resources (oil, gas, coal) and other sedimentary mineral riches are relatively scarce. Small coal deposits occur in Baberd, north and northeast of Karin, and in the Olti river basin. Oil and gas-bearing regions are extremely limited, with minor reserves found in the Aratsani basin, near Lake Van, and along the upper course of the Tigris.
Among sedimentary minerals, rock salt is the most widespread. Its deposits are associated with inland seas and salt lakes that existed millions of years ago in the Armenian Highlands. Notable salt mines are found in Nakhichevan, Koghb, Kars, Olti, and Avan.
The Armenian Highlands are also rich in mineral springs with therapeutic properties. The most famous include those at Jermuk, Arzni, Yerznka, Karno, and Kars, as well as the hot springs of Varshak in the northern and eastern parts of Tondrak, where, according to travelers, locals traditionally cooked lamb without fire. Numerous mineral springs are also located along the upper course of the Tigris and near Lake Tsovk.
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