Bishkek, Aug. 14, 2026. /Kabar/. Kumtor mine produces $1 billion worth of gold annually, about half of which goes toward production costs, while the rest goes to the state as net profit, President Sadyr Zhaparov said in an interview with journalist Ali Toktakunov.
According to him, large social and infrastructure projects have been implemented in the country in recent years using funds from Kumtor.
"About half of Kumtor's revenues, and sometimes slightly more, goes toward its own expenses. These expenses include salaries, pensions, benefits, fuel, taxes, and components. The other half is net profit, which goes directly to the state," the president said. In his speech, Sadyr Zhaparov noted that over 500 kindergartens and schools have been built over the past five years.
"If 100 schools were built over 30 years, then we've built 500 schools in five years. Where does this money come from? It's Kumtor's money," he explained.
The president also touched on road construction indicators, stating that up to 1,500 kilometers of roads were paved last year, and this figure is planned to reach 2,000 kilometers this year.
Furthermore, he said that Kumtor's revenues are supporting pension and benefit increases. The head of state announced that the minimum pension has increased from 700 soms to 7,100 soms, and will rise to 8,800 soms in October.
He also noted that housing is currently being built through the State Investment Company (GIK) at a cost of over $2 billion.
