The Times of Central Asia29 Jan 2015 22:49
Proven gold reserves in Kyrgyzstan exceed 500 tons «The Times of Central Asia»
BISHKEK (TCA) - Explored and proven gold reserves in Kyrgyzstan amount to 566 tons, the country's State Agency of Geology and Mineral Resources said.
"Kyrgyzstan is the world's third-largest mercury producer and ranks 22nd in terms of gold production," the Agency's press service said. "Gold accounts for 40 percent of Kyrgyzstan's total exports. To date, explored and proven reserves of gold in the country amount to 566 tons, tin - 187 thousand tons, tungsten - 117 thousand tons, and coal - 1.377 billion tons."
The country also has other mineral resources, including molybdenum, antimony, oil and natural gas.
The mining industry is one of the main sectors of Kyrgyzstan's economy, accounting for 14 percent of the country's GDP and 58 percent of industrial output.
Kyrgyzstan has seven large mining plants, including Kumtor, Makmal, Khaidarkan, and Kadamjai. Since Kyrgyzstan's independence, Kumtor remains the only large gold mine put into operation over the past 20 years.
In recent years Kumtor produced 17-18 tons of gold per year, accounting for more than 6 percent of the country's GDP, KyrTAG news agency reported. Any decrease in gold production at Kumtor immediately affects Kyrgyzstan's economy.
To reduce Kumtor's influence on the economy, Kyrgyzstan is developing new deposits, such as Bozymchak, Taldy-Bulak Left-Bank, and Ishtamberdy.
No doubt about We will get the licence back. Gold it's more than important for the Country.
Obelix