Tajikistan

This small Central Asian republic bordering Afghanistan has attracted some joint venture money from ‘junior’ western mining companies, notably London-based Nelson Resources. Nelson has a 44% interest in the Zeravshan Gold Company (ZGC), a joint venture with the Tajik government, which operates the Jilau open pit. Jilau produced just over 2 tonnes (0.06 m oz) in 2001. In addition, Nelson has the option to develop a new underground mine at Chore or Taror, should the gold price stabilise at adequate levels. Another small mine, Darvaz, has had a chequered history, largely because of local security problems, and output today is marginal. Small-scale miners make a further modest contribution to the country’s total gold output. Overall Tajikistan produced close to 5 tonnes (0.16 million oz) in 2001, according to GFMS, placing it fifth in former Soviet states.