14:09, 19 октября 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Tatyana KUDRYAVTSEVA
The President of Kyrgyzstan made a speech at a solemn event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the development of Kumtor gold mine. The press service of the head of state reported.
Sadyr Japarov noted that at one time the work of the project in the history of the country’s independence was accompanied by conflicts, fraud and scams. Kumtor became the «scam of the century» and a symbol of corruption due to the enrichment of foreigners and a handful of local officials.
«I remember that I visited the field for the first time exactly 21 years ago, in 2002. At that time, I noticed the state of affairs at the largest mine in Kyrgyzstan, and it made my heart ache. From that very day, my great struggle for Kumtor and the national interests of Kyrgyzstan began. My main goal and task was to return the wealth to the people. I plunged headlong into turbulent politics, no matter how difficult it was, no matter how difficult the times were, I devoted many years of my life to this, without giving up,» Sadyr Japarov said.
He also recalled that, having become a deputy of the Parliament in 2005, he immediately raised the Kumtor problem. During parliamentary activities after 2010, being the chairman of the parliamentary commission on Kumtor, deputies tried to transfer the mine into state ownership. At that time, there was an opportunity to turn the fate of the country and the domestic economy in a new direction.
«But the government at that time was not concerned about the future of the state, but about the future of individuals, and listened to the words of the «golden mafia.» At least, if Kumtor had been transferred to the state in 2012, our economic situation would now be much better. Fortunately, before it was too late, Kumtor was finally returned to the people, having become the property of the state. Some politicians lost hope and did not want to believe it. An event that seemed like a dream has become today’s reality. We were able to fulfill the demands of the people and restore historical justice,» the President stressed.
With the return of Kumtor to full ownership of the country, elimination of political corruption in Kyrgyzstan began.
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov
According to him, in the past, several officials, in order to lobby for their narrow interests, defended the management of Kumtor, as a result of which a corrupt system was created. The branches of power in that system brought Kyrgyzstan almost to destruction, and government structures were also involved in this. All this has been eliminated and Kyrgyzstan is on the path to recovery and ridding itself of corruption.
The President also noted: previously they said that Kyrgyzstan cannot develop the field on its own and cannot afford such complex production. But the authorities were able to give a worthy answer to these empty words. After all, highly qualified and experienced personnel in the mining sector have already matured in Kyrgyzstan.
«On today’s anniversary, I would like to mention their honesty and perseverance. Currently, Kumtor does not stop working for a minute, clearly fulfills its plans and consistently implements strategic goals for the further development of the field,» he said.
At the end of 2022, at least 17.3 tons of gold were mined. The amount of taxes paid and obligatory payments amounted to 32.2 billion soms, net profit is $371 million.
In addition, now not only Kumtor, but all deposits in Kyrgyzstan are being developed in the interests of the state and people. Revenues from them are also spent on the needs of the state and to finance strategic projects. Regulatory and legal acts have been adopted obliging the state to participate in the development of our subsoil. These laws are favorable for both the state and investors on a mutually beneficial basis.
The President believes that Kumtor not only breathed new life into the Kyrgyz economy, but also the resolution of disputes over the project had a positive impact on the attractiveness of Kyrgyzstan for international investment.
Sadyr Japarov believes that the Kumtor mine will benefit the state for many years to come. Geological exploration, research and modernization work is constantly being carried out in this direction. In subsequent years, Kumtor will develop new Togolok and Zhangart fields.
«We use the wealth of the people for the people. For example, a decisive blow to crime revealed all the shadow finances. The results were a significant increase in wages and benefits. In addition, for the first time, we purchased powerful, modern military equipment at our own expense. Thus, the security of our country has been strengthened. New schools, kindergartens, and roads are being built. These are the first results. Our success will increase even more in the coming years. The steps we will take will be more reliable,» Sadyr Japarov said.
«The return of Kumtor to the people is the beginning of renewal in our country, the first stage of development and change. Your contribution to this work is great. You are in that difficult situation, in a historical moment that decides your fate. You managed the mine correctly without interrupting gold production. We always appreciate that kind of hard work. May success accompany you in everything. Be witnesses of only good things,» he concluded, addressing the company’s team.