Kyrgyzstan offers to introduce duty on export of gold concentrate

Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy offers to introduce export duties on gold ore and concentrate. The interdepartmental commission hasn't voiced the size of rates yet, the ministry reported.

A number of experts and heads of state structures offer to prohibit mining companies exporting ore and concentrate, allowing its processing only in the country.

Enterprises export abroad ore and concentrate, containing precious metals, due to lack of processing capacity in the territory of Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Economy said. Earlier, the Parliament has repeatedly raised the issue of export of gold concentrate from the fields in Chon-Alai, Chatkal, Ala-Buka and Chui region. 

Plenipotentiary representative of the Government in Chui region Baktybek Kudaibergenov during his working trip to the region was outraged that Altynken LLC, which develops Taldybulak Levoberezhnyi gold mine,  did not use its factory for the extraction of gold, and annually exports about three million tons of concentrate to China.

According to the chairman of Miners and Geologists Association of the KR Orozbek Duysheev, mineral processing technology is very expensive.

"Mining companies seek to extract from raw materials concentrate, other minerals besides gold that are not registered in Kyrgyzstan, taxes are not deducted. That's why companies are interested in the enrichment of minerals abroad, albeit in small volumes," he added.

In 2011, it became known of the export permits by the local authorities for the gold concentrate by Kaidi Company - from the field in Chon-Alai district to China. Dissatisfied with these locals seized several trucks with expensive goods.