Kumtor Gold Company has begun underground gold mining at the Kumtor deposit in Kyrgyzstan, one of Central Asia’s most significant gold reserves. The deposit is estimated to hold 147 tonnes (t) of gold reserves and is set to operate for 17 years. The underground gold mining initiative aims to eliminate unnecessary removal of waste rock and protect the surrounding environment and glaciers. Open-pit operations from the previously established pits will continue, along with the underground mining activities. Situated in eastern Kyrgyzstan near the Chinese border, the Kumtor mine was initially developed by Canada’s ... (full story)