Acting Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Azis Saparaliev visited Kumtor mine.
During the visit, Azis Saparaliev inspected the central open pit, familiarized himself with the work of the gold extraction plant and visited the tailing dump.
Kubanychbek Turdukozhoev, Vice President for Production at Kumtor Gold Company CJSC, said that currently gold-bearing ore at the mine was extracted by open pit method.
“Gold production is carried out in compliance with all environmental norms and international standards. At the same time, preparatory work for integrated gold mining under Togolok project actively continues. Our plans also include secondary processing of gold from the tailing dump and implementation of the project on gold mining by underground method,” he noted.
Azis Saparaliev emphasized the importance of strict compliance with all regulatory works and environmental standards. He noted that the enterprise was of crucial importance for the national economy, as more than 3,000 specialists worked there.
“That is why all of us are interested in the fact that the works at the mine should be carried out in compliance with the legislation and approved regulations. Taking into account that a team of professionals has formed at the mine, I am sure that they will be able to ensure uninterrupted operation of the enterprise in the interests of the whole country,” the Acting Minister said.
The company noted that according to the results of 2023, at least 13,567 kilograms of gold were produced, 17.2 billion soms were paid to the country’s budget in the form of taxes, social contributions and other payments. In addition, $151.3 million in the form of dividends is paid based on the results of the last year. (24.kg)