GEOTECHNICAL PROBLEMS OF THE PROPOSED UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT OF THE KUMTOR GOLD DEPOSIT

Authors

  • I.A. Torgoev Institute of Geomechanics and Subsoil Development of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan Author
  • Yu.G. Aleshin Institute of Geomechanics and Subsoil Development of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan Author

Keywords:

Kumtor, underground mining, permafrost, glaciers, geotechnical risk, rock mass, Central Quarry

Abstract

This article analyzes the complex mining and geological conditions of the transition from open-pit to underground mining at the Kumtor mine. The authors examine the risks associated with permafrost degradation, intense glacial meltwater influx, and pit wall instability, which significantly increase operating costs and require the implementation of specialized mining systems with gob backfill.

References

1. Thalenhorst, H., Redmont, D., Paponi, T.R., Vdovin, V. Technical Report on the Kumtor Gold Project Kyrgyz Republic for Centrerra Gold Inc. by Strathcona Mineral Services Limited, 20 Dec. 2012.

2. Торгоев И.А. Геотехнические проблемы на высокогорном руднике Кумтор и их экономические и экологические последствия. // Современные проблемы механики сплошных сред: Вып. 17: Гидрогазодинамика, геомеханика и геотехнологии. / Институт геомеханики и освоения недр НАН КР.- Бишкек: 2013. – с.151-176.

3. Torgoev I., Torgoev. Rockslides in the open pit of Kumtor goldmine (Kyrgyzstan) // K. Sassa et al (eds) Landslide Science for a Safer Geoenvironment, Vol 3, 2014.- p.511-516

4. Торгоев И.А., Оморов Б. Гравитационные смещения отвалов на высокогорном руднике Кумтор // Современные проблемы механики сплошных сред: Вып. 18: Гидрогазодинамика, геомеханика и геотехнологии. / Институт геомеханики и освоения недр НАН КР.- Бишкек: 2013. – с.82-104.

5. Torgoev I., Omorov B. Mass movement in the waste dump of highaltitude Kumtor goldmine (Kyrgyzsnan) // K. Sassa et al (eds) Landslide Science for a Safer Geoenvironment, Vol 3, 2014.- p.517-521

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Published

2026-06-01