DUSHANBE, July 23, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Over the first six months of this year, Tajikistan has produced 928 kilograms of gold, which is seven kilograms more than in the same period last year, Minister of Energy and Industries Gul Sherali announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on July 23.

According to him, most of gold was produced by Tajik-Chinese joint venture Zeravshan Gold Company (ZGC).

Tajikistan plans to increase gold production this year at least by 200 kilograms, the minister noted.

We will recall that Tajikistan produced more than 2,200 kilograms of gold in 2011.  

Tajikistan has 28 known gold deposits containing an estimated 429.3 tons of gold.  The largest amount of gold was produced in Tajikistan in 1998 – 3,000 kilograms, while in recent years, the country has produced annually not more than 1,800 kilograms.  Most of gold comes from the Jilau deposit operated by ZGC.

Three large gold mining companies now operate in Tajikistan: Tilloi Tojik; Tajik-Chinese JV Zeravshan Gold Company (ZGC); and Tajik-Canadian JV Aprelevka.  Besides, the private gold mining artel, Odina, operates in Khatlon province.