Bengaluru: In a significant step towards establishing an overseas presence in the global mining industry, Bengaluru-based Deccan Gold Mines Ltd has taken its gold mining project in Kyrgyzstan from exploration and development to production, making it the first Indian company to reach the production stage of a gold mining project in the Central Asian country.Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr N Japarov on Saturday inaugurated the gold processing plant at the Altyn Tor Gold Project through an online ceremony. The project is operated by Deccan Gold’s Kyrgyz subsidiary, Avelum Partner LLC.The inauguration marks a significant milestone for the Indian mining company, which has traditionally focused on gold exploration but is now seeking to build a global portfolio of gold and critical mineral assets. The ceremony was attended by senior representatives of Deccan Gold and Avelum Partner at the project site, along with India’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Birender Singh Yadav.Located in the Naryn region of central Kyrgyzstan, Altyn Tor is part of the mineral-rich Soltan Sary zone, which extends over 300km and forms part of the Tien Shan Shear Zone, known for its gold deposits.The company said it produced its first gold doré at the project in August. It is now working towards full-scale production, including the completion and commissioning of the leach circuit and tailings facility, revised mine planning and additional resource drilling.“Altyn Tor is a defining moment for Deccan Gold and Indian mining,” said Hanuma Prasad Modali, managing director, Deccan Gold Mines. “ Taking a project from exploration to production overseas requires capital, capability, perseverance and, above all, the trust of the host nation, its people, and partners. This milestone shows that Indian mining companies can develop resources responsibly and compete on the global stage.”The company is also expanding its focus beyond gold. Its portfolio includes nickel-copper-platinum group elements in Chhattisgarh, tungsten and tin projects in Spain, and lithium and tantalum assets in Mozambique.Deccan Gold, established in 2003 and with office in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout , is listed on the BSE and describes itself as India’s first listed gold and critical minerals resource company.
