Mining Introduction

Uzbekistan ranks ninth in world gold output with production of 85 tonnes (2.73 million oz) in 2001, according to GFMS, and second in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The strength of her position really comes from one mine, Muruntau, now in its fourth decade and the largest gold mine in the former Soviet Union. The mine, run by the state-owned Navoi Mining and Metals, is still good for 55-60 tonnes (1.8-1.9 million oz) annually, although no official output is declared.

Muruntau (meaning 'hilly place') opened in the Kyzyl-Kum desert of Uzbekistan in 1969. The mine is still worked as an open pit now nearly 4km (2.5 miles) long, over 2.5km (1.55 miles) wide, and nearly 400 metres (1,300 feet) deep. The deposit resembles a tree with the branches spread out near the surface and the trunk plunging into the earth (rather like a diamond pipe). The gold originally graded 4g/t (0.12 oz), but has declined to 2.5g/t (0.08 oz). Work at depth in the pit has become increasingly difficult due to poor air circulation which causes summer temperatures to rise to 50^oC (122^oF). Plans to restructure the vast pit to make it more accessible and workable are on hold awaiting a better gold price.

Muruntau's build-up of high grade tailings, however, are being processed in a successful joint venture between Newmont Mining from the US and Navoi. The project, known as the Zarafshan-Newmont Joint Venture, opened in 1995, and had yielded significant amounts of gold. In 2001 13.5 tonnes (0.43 million oz) were recovered from the tailings, down on the 16.8 tonnes (0.54 million oz) produced in 1999.

The Almalyk copper mine also produces significant amounts of by-product gold.

Having been suspended for some time, a gold project at Angren has been revived with a recent announcement from Newmont Mining that they are looking at the project again. Another potential project, Zarmitan near Samarkand, is also currently being evaluated by Multiplex Mining in a joint venture with Navoi.