A general view shows the Kumtor open pit gold mine at an altitude of about 4,000 meters above sea level in the Tien Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan, May 28, 2021.
The Kumtor mine, operational since 1997 under the management of Canada’s Centerra Gold, was brought under state control in 2021 after a series of legal disputes. Since then, the mine has generated approximately $3.4 billion in revenue for Kyrgyzstan, contributing significantly to the national economy. The transition to state management was completed in 2023, following a settlement with Centerra Gold.
According to a statement from President Sadyr Japarov’s press service: “The underground project is expected to operate for 17 years, and geological reserves of 147 tons of gold have been added to the state balance sheet.” The press service also noted that approximately 1,600 meters of tunnels have been excavated to date, enabling access to high-grade ore. While no specific monetary value was provided for the reserves, recent gold prices have exceeded $3,000 per troy ounce, indicating substantial economic potential.
The underground mining initiative is designed to complement ongoing open-pit operations, with a gradual shift toward underground methods to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. Kyrgyzstan also plans to process the Kumtor tailings pond, which contains an estimated 100 tons of gold, further enhancing the site’s output. These efforts are expected to bolster the nation’s gold production, which saw a slight decline from 13.6 tons in 2023 to 12.6 tons in 2024.
Kumtor, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters in a permafrost zone, remains a cornerstone of Kyrgyzstan’s economy, contributing roughly one-third of the state budget through taxes and other payments. The government is also exploring additional sites, such as the Togolok deposit, to expand its mining portfolio. These developments aim to ensure long-term economic benefits while addressing the region’s growing demand for sustainable resource extraction.
The launch of underground mining at Kumtor reflects Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to optimizing its natural resources. With an estimated operational lifespan of 17 years for the underground project, the country anticipates sustained contributions to its economy while maintaining a focus on efficient and responsible mining practices.
