Kumtor's new source of income: Tire recycling plant opened in Tokmak

Head of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov visited the plant of Kumtor company on the retreading and processing of automobile tires in Chui region. Press service of the Cabinet reported.

The purpose of the project «Turning waste into money» is to create an enterprise using German technology, which will retread tires of any size, reduce the cost of replacing damaged tires and increase the efficiency of Kumtor Gold Company by creating new sources of income, while reducing the harmful effects of waste plastic products.

As noted, the plant is now operating in test mode. Its full launch is scheduled for late 2023 and early 2024.

The enterprise provides jobs for 180 people, more than 2 tons of old tires are processed per hour. The project cost is $19.2 million with an internal rate of return of 33 percent.

Akylbek Japarov, having familiarized himself with the activities of the enterprise, noted that the products would be sold not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Old tires are recycled and turned into new products, including plastic, textiles and pressed materials. According to the feasibility study of the project, the amount of income tax for five years (2026-2030) will be on average 60 million soms.