DUSHANBE, July 22, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Deputy Energy and Industries Minister, Mahmadsharif Haqdodov, told reporters in Dushanbe on July 21 that Tajikistan has produced only some 600 kilograms of gold over the first six months of this year, which is 100 kilograms fewer than in the same period of last year.

He attributed such a significant decrease in the gold productions to reconstruction of the main gold producer, Zeravshan Gold Company (ZGC).

Compared to January-June 2008 production of silver has also been reduced in the country.  “In the first half-year of 2009, Tajikistan has produced 657 kilograms of chemically pure silver, which is 77 kilograms fewer than in the same period of last year,” the deputy minister said.

According to him, 3,100 kilograms of silver concentrates have been produced over the report period, which is 2,049 kilograms more than in the same period of last year.

Haqdodov added that international tender for exploration and development of Tajikistan’s largest silver deposit, Bolshoi Kanimansour, will be announced at the end of 2009 or in the beginning of 2010.