DUSHANBE, April 24, Asia-Plus – Over the first quarter of the year, gold-mining companies functioning in Tajikistan has produced 434.124 kilograms of gold, which is 43 kilograms more than in the same period of 2006, Energy and Industries Minister Sherali Gulov remarked at a news conference in Dushanbe today.
Deputy Energy and Industries Minister, Mahmadsharif Haqdodov, noted that it had become possible due to increase in production of gold by the joint gold-mining venture Darvaz, which has produced 36 kilograms of gold over the report period.
The deputy minister noted that Darvaz last year purchased new equipment to increase its production capacity. ”The new equipment has been purchased from the Russian company Magadan Mechanical Plant for US $150,000,” said Haqdodov, “The funds have been provided by the Ministry of Industry.” The new equipment has enabled the enterprise to increase its production of gold, according to him.
Haqdodov added that the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI) had brought action against the British Gold and Mineral Excavation in Tajikistan’s High Economic Court, asking it to remove it from the joint venture.
According to a MoEI, Gold and Mineral Excavation, which holds a 49% ownership interest in the enterprise, in 2000 left the enterprise and Tajikistan for unknown reasons.
Darvaz produces gold from its operation at the Yakhsu deposit, located in the Khatlon province in southern Tajikistan. Tajikistan owns 51 percent of the shares and the UK-based Gold and Mineral Excavation holds a 49% ownership interest in company.
Tajikistan has 28 known gold deposits, estimated to contain more than 400 tons. At present three gold extraction joint ventures, Zeravshan, Aprelevka and Darvaz, operating in Tajikistan.
