Makmal Gold Mine

The Makmal gold mine is the oldest industrial gold mining enterprise in Kyrgyzstan, located in the Toguz-Toro district of the Jalal-Abad region. Commissioned in 1986, the mine served as the flagship of the Kyrgyz gold industry for decades before the Kumtor mine rose to prominence. It is situated in a remote high-altitude region near the village of Kazarman and has long been the primary employer and taxpayer in the district. Makmal encompasses both open-pit and underground mining operations, alongside a processing plant where gold ore is refined into dore bars. Throughout its lifespan, the mine has produced more than 40 tons of gold. In recent years, the enterprise has faced significant challenges due to depleted reserves and aging infrastructure, leading to modernization efforts and the formation of joint ventures with foreign investors to revitalize operations. The mine remains central to the economic stability of the Toguz-Toro region and stands as a symbol of the country's mining heritage. Environmental considerations, particularly the management of tailings and waste, are critical issues for the sustainable continuation of the facility.

Nearby cities

Jalal-Abad

One of the largest cities in the south of the country, known for its hot springs and mineral waters.

Tash-Kumyr

An industrial city on the Naryn River, known for its coal mining and hydroelectric power plants.

Toktogul

A city north of the huge Toktogul Reservoir, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges.

Kochkor-Ata

A city in the Jalal-Abad Region whose economy is traditionally dominated by oil and gas extraction.

Kerben

A small town in the Aksy District, located in a picturesque mountainous landscape in the west of the country.

Kazarman

A highly isolated mining settlement in inner Kyrgyzstan, often cut off from the rest of the country in winter.

Suusamyr Valley

A vast high-altitude plateau at 2,200 meters, famous for its green pastures and traditional Kumis production.

Mailuu-Suu

A former Soviet closed city, famous for its uranium mining during the Cold War.

Sary-Chelek Lake

A stunning high-altitude lake within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, famous for its crystal-clear waters and dense walnut forests.

History & landmarks

🗺️

Saimaluu-Tash

One of the world's largest petroglyph fields, located high in the mountains, featuring thousands of ancient rock carvings.

Saimaluu Tash

A remote mountain site hosting over 10,000 petroglyphs from the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Nature

Sary-Chelek Lake

Hidden in the mountains lies the deep blue Sary-Chelek Lake, framed by wild fruit and walnut forests.

Chatkal River

The wild Chatkal River has carved deep, breathtaking gorges into the mountains of the western Tien Shan.

More places

Saimaluu-Tash State Nature Park

This park is world-famous for its tens of thousands of rock carvings (petroglyphs) scattered high in the mountains.

Kambar-Ata-2 Hydroelectric Power Station

A modern hydroelectric project to increase Kyrgyzstan's energy capacity.

Arslanbob Walnut Forest

The massive walnut forests of Arslanbob are a unique natural heritage, stretching across gentle hills.

🗺️

Dashman State Nature Reserve

The reserve is famous for its ancient and extensive walnut forests, which are considered the largest in the world.

Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station

The largest hydroelectric power station in the country, located on the Naryn River.

🗺️

Fergana Valley Cotton Fields

In the warm plains of southern Kyrgyzstan, extensive cotton fields dominate the landscape.

Mailuu-Suu Lightbulb Factory

One of the largest lightbulb factories in Central Asia.

Kurpsai Hydroelectric Power Station

A large hydroelectric power station on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan.