He emphasized that this project represented a significant problem both for the country and for him personally.
“For many years, disputes, accusations, and slander surrounding this strategically important facility, which holds immense significance for Kyrgyzstan, did not cease, and political games were played. The people consistently asked a simple question: is Kyrgyzstan's gold being used in the interests of the country? From the very beginning of my political journey, I insisted on the necessity of returning ‘Kumtor’ to state ownership,” the president noted.
The president reminded that in 2021, “Kumtor” fully transitioned into the ownership of the Kyrgyz Republic, which he characterized as an important step towards strengthening the economic independence of the state.
From 2021 to 2025, the total income from the activities of “Kumtor” will amount to $5 billion 115 million, exceeding 440 billion soms. More than $1 billion 176 million, or over 100 billion soms, has been contributed to the country's budget in the form of tax revenues and mandatory payments. In addition to this, over the past four years, the state has received dividends amounting to $441 million, equivalent to more than 38 billion soms.
“For comparison: from 1994 to 2021, Kyrgyzstan received only about $100 million in dividends from ‘Kumtor.’ Previously, 410 tons of gold were exported, of which only 1 ton benefited the country. Currently, ‘Kumtor’ has become a reliable source of income for the budget and helps finance social programs and infrastructure projects,” the president added.
