PHOTO REPORT – PUBLIC HEARINGS WERE HELD ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOLD MINING PROJECT AT THE TOGOLOK DEPOSIT

published: 30 June 2025

Public hearings on the implementation of the gold mining project at the Togolok deposit were held in Kyzyl-Suu village, Jeti-Oguz district, Issyk-Kul region.

Local self-government representatives, residents, and civil activists of Orgochor and Jeti-Oguz village councils participated in the public hearings initiated by Kumtor Operating Company CJSC.

During the hearings, representatives of Kumtor Operating Company spoke about the history of the Togolok deposit, provided an overview of the current situation, and outlined the Company’s plans for its further development.

Almaz Kozhonov, Supervisor of Project Group for the Togolok deposit development, noted that the adit and access roads to the site have been fully restored, and the confirmatory geological exploration has been completed.

“This year, we plan to construct a power transmission line, a technological road, bridges, and other infrastructure facilities,” he said.

Answering the question from Jeti-Oguz residents, Almaz Kozhonov emphasized that all operations at the Togolok deposit are conducted in full compliance with established technical regulations and environmental standards.

“We have extensive experience in developing gold ore deposits, including the Kumtor Mine, which will be applied to the Togolok deposit development” stated Almaz Kozhonov.

During the public hearings, local residents and activists received comprehensive answers to all their questions, including those related to gold mining methods, environmental protection and mitigation of impacts from the gold processing plant, employment opportunities for neighboring villages, as well as tax and other payments to the local budget.

For reference: The Togolok gold deposit, discovered back in 1978, is located in a remote, high-altitude area of Jeti-Oguz district, Issyk-Kul region.

The nearest settlement to the Togolok deposit is Ak-Shiyrak village, located at the altitude of almost 3,200 meters above sea level and 35 kilometers away. The distance from Bishkek to the Togolok deposit is 560 kilometers.

The 2004 feasibility study concluded that the Togolok gold deposit development is economically viable.

Kumtor Operating Company holds a license dated August 8, 2023, for the Togolok gold deposit development.