NUMBER OF ARGALI GROWS TO 2,500 IN SARYCHAT-ERTASH NATURE RESERVE

published: 07 June 2024

We are pleased to announce that the number of argali has increased to 2,500 in the Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve. This remarkable achievement underscores Kumtor Gold Company’s commitment to nature conservation, which we express not only through our words but also through tangible actions.

Our support of the Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve is a vivid example of how Kumtor Gold Company actively contributes to the preservation of the ecosystem. The assistance we have provided has significantly enhanced the management efficiency of the reserve, leading to an increase in the populations of various animal species, such as argali, ibexes, and snow leopards. The rise in wildlife numbers around the Kumtor mine is clear evidence that the area, even amidst gold mining activities, remains ecologically safe and peaceful for these species to thrive.

Annual monitoring of biodiversity by our company enables us to accurately track the ecological situation on-site. For instance, the argali population has grown from 750 to 2,500, making it the largest population in the country. The number of ibexes has increased from 750 to 850, and the population of snow leopards around the mine and its vicinity has risen to 18 individuals.

Equally important is the fact that the mine attracts many migratory birds and provides a unique habitat for a variety of species. The return of geese, swans, and other birds further confirms that the ecology of the mine is healthy and that the environment is safe for diverse life forms.

Thus, Kumtor Gold Company exemplifies how mining and nature can coexist in harmony, contributing to the conservation of existing biodiversity. We remain committed to ensuring that our mining activities continue to support and enhance the natural environment.