DUSHANBE, April 10, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik-Canadian gold-mining joint venture, Aprelevka, intends to launch a concentrating mill with capacity of processing 1 million tons of ore per year this summer, according to press service of the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI).

The mill will produce zinc-lead concentrate.  The main works have been completed and assembling work is also nearing completion.

After exploring the domestic market for sustenance, the company’s administration also intends to found three jewelry-producing shops in the country.

On April 6-8, Energy and Industries Minister Gul Sherali visited the Sughd province to get acquainted with work of industrial enterprises there, the press service said.

The Tajik-Canadian gold-mining joint venture, Aprelevka, was established in the northern Sughd province in 1995.  The company is engaged in mining and processing of ores at Aprelevka, Kyzyl-Cheku, Burgunda, Ekiljon and other small deposits in northern Tajikistan.  Gold-silver Dore alloy, which is refining at affinage plant in Tajikistan with producing of chemically pure gold and silver (99.99 and 99.95 alloys respectively), is the main product of the enterprise.

Tajikistan owns 51 percent of the shares and the Canadian company Gulf International Minerals assumes the 49% ownership interest in the joint-stock company Aprelevka.