Armenia exports copper concentrate and molybdenum primarily to China — historically settled through Russian correspondent banks. Post-2022 sanctions disrupted these channels, forcing Armenian exporters into expensive Turkish or Georgian intermediary routes adding 15-25 days and 2-4% in fees. LCORE's gold DVP bypasses the entire chain: Chinese buyer deposits gold in Abu Dhabi, copper ships from Yerevan via Georgian rail to Poti or Batumi port, BL triggers gold release. Settlement in 2-3 days, zero Russian banking dependency.
Request ConsultationWhen AMD payments are blocked by correspondent banking compliance, LCORE's gold DVP provides a neutral Abu Dhabi alternative. Armenian commodity traders can deposit physical gold into DVP escrow -- commodity delivers -- payment in AMD confirms -- gold releases. 2-3 working days.
ADGM English Law governs. Lloyd's $200M insurance throughout. UAE geopolitically neutral -- not subject to US, EU, or UK sanctions regime.
Confidential. Min $5M. ADGM 28158.
Armenia's commodity exports are dominated by copper concentrate from the Zangezur (Kajaran) and Teghut mines, feeding Chinese and Russian smelters. Molybdenum concentrate — a byproduct of copper mining at Kajaran — positions Armenia as a globally significant molybdenum supplier. Gold and silver mining in Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces contributes doré exports to Dubai and Swiss refiners. Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals flow to Turkish steel mills via the Georgian transit corridor. Brandy and spirits — notably Ararat cognac — represent a premium processed export targeting European and US markets. Fresh and dried fruits supply Gulf and Russian buyers. Armenia's geographic position as a Caucasian transit hub between Russia, Iran, and Turkey creates significant commodity re-export flows that require settlement structures capable of handling complex multi-jurisdictional payment chains.
Armenia occupies a complex banking position: geographically between Russia, Iran, and Turkey, it has become a de facto re-export corridor since 2022 Russian sanctions, intensifying Western compliance scrutiny of Armenian bank transactions. US correspondent banks apply secondary sanctions risk analysis to Armenian banks, fearing exposure to Russia-related flows. The Armenian dram (AMD) is not freely convertible internationally, requiring USD or EUR intermediation for cross-border commodity settlements. Several Armenian banks face enhanced due diligence from European and American correspondents, extending payment timelines. Copper concentrate exporters must navigate Russian buyer payment constraints (SWIFT-disconnected for major Russian buyers) while managing US secondary sanctions scrutiny. LCORE's gold DVP provides Armenian commodity exporters with a geopolitically neutral settlement venue that sits outside both the US sanctions architecture and Russia-specific SWIFT restrictions.