Mining Introduction

The remote, mountainous former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan, tucked between Kazakstan and the borders of China, became a significant gold producer in 1997 with the opening of the Kumtor mine, operated by the Canadian company Cameco in partnership with the Kyrgyz government. The mine achieved production of 23.4 tonnes (0.75 million oz) in 2001, a strong increase on the previous year, due to higher grades and increased recovery rates. A small quantity of gold was also produced at operations owned by the state and operated by Kyrgyzaltyn, bringing the country's total output in 2001 to just under 25 tonnes (0.8 million oz), according to GFMS.