Additional “Wild Animals” road signs were installed at the Kumtor mine

published: 28 September 2022

“Wild Animals” signs appeared at the Kumtor Mine site to warn of the possible appearance of wildlife on the roadway. They are mainly horned cloven-hoofed animals, such as argali and ibex.

The reason for installing the new additional signs was the population increase of argali and ibex living in the mine area and the increased cases of their appearances on the roadway. The company’s ecologists regularly monitor the population of wild animals, and have revealed a steady increase in their populations. It should be noted that any hunting in the Kumtor Mine area is strictly forbidden, and therefore local wild animals have no fear towards humans and equipment.

Drivers of Kumtor Gold Company CJSC (KGC) collected and provided information about the areas where the most frequent cases of animals entering the roadway are recorded. 11 road signs are installed at these locations. When driving into the “Wild Animals” sign area, road users are obliged to observe the safe speed limits. If an animal is near the road or on the roadway, drivers are required to reduce speed up to complete stop of the vehicle and turn on the emergency lights to attract the attention of other road users, and continue driving only after making sure that the way is clear.

Kumtor is committed to protection of wild animals and their habitat. To this end, all employees are trained on how to behave when meeting wild animals at the mine site. First of all, employees are required not to interfere with the natural life of wild animals. “This includes not feeding them in any way. At first glance, it may seem be a concern, but by feeding the animals, we actually interfere in their natural habitat,” said Kubanychbek uulu Nursultan, an engineer of the Environmental Protection Department of Kumtor Gold Company CJSC.