Mining blues in Kyrgyzstan: Kumtor, Centerra once more targeted
- Written by Charles van der Leeuw
BISHKEK (TCA) — This time the clash between Kyrgyzstan’s authorities and the operator of the country’s largest gold mine and core moneymaker Kumtor Gold seems to be more serious than previous ones. At stake is close to $200 million in dividends paid by Kumtor to its parent company in Canada back in early 2013 and withheld by the latter to its shareholders citing a “charge” for “de-recognition” of mining assets during the summer of the previous year. Perfectly legal, the mining company argues. A corporate kickback in the eyes of the Kyrgyz prosecutors, though.
