Officials at Centerra Gold are reporting that a large section of their principal waste-rock dump at the Kumtor mine in Kyrgyzstan, the Davidov Valley Waste-rock Dump, is experiencing a greater than anticipated rate of movement.
Beginning in Q1, the waste-rock dump movement increased beyond the expected rate, requiring acceleration to relocate some of the mine infrastructure. Workers in the affected areas have also been relocated until new facilities are built. The Canadian company has expedited infrastructure relocation to guarantee continued safety. Planned gold production to date has not been affected.
This has resulted in the discontinuation of waste-rock on the affected portion of the Davidov Valley Waste-rock Dump. In the short-term, waste-rock is being unloaded on other permitted sites currently unaffected by the movement; an alternative long-term waste-rock dumping plan is being finalized.
The company is now working with local regulatory authorities and external engineering advisors to expedite the plan.
