Kyrgyzstan Begins Underground Gold Mining At Kumtor With 147-Ton Reserve

Kyrgyzstan has commenced underground gold mining at the Kumtor mine, Central Asia's largest gold deposit, with estimated reserves of 147 metric tons of gold. President Sadyr Japarov, who nationalized the mine in 2021 from Canada's Centerra Gold after litigation, announced the project is expected to operate for 17 years, with about 1,600 meters of tunnels already dug. The transition to underground mining aims to reduce environmental impact and waste rock volume while continuing some open-pit operations. Since state control began, Kumtor has generated $3.4 billion in revenue and significantly increased dividends and tax payments to the government compared to prior foreign management. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan plans to process the tailings pond containing over 100 tons of gold, further boosting revenue and reducing environmental burden. Meanwhile, Indian firm Deccan Gold Mines Ltd. is preparing to start production at its Altyn Tor Gold Project in Kyrgyzstan by October 2025, marking a milestone as India's first overseas mining project, supporting India's strategic mineral security goals.