MINING EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES IN TAJIKISTAN

(Source: U.S. Embassy estimates. Due to restrictions on public information in the mining sector, figures for production, exports, and imports are unknown.)

Tajikistan has significant reserves of a wide range of valuable minerals. In spite of this wealth, however, the mining sector accounted for only 1% of GDP in 2011. Development of the sector will require modern technology, exposure to market-oriented management, increase in human capacity, better transportation links, and comprehensive information on the full potential of the sector. This will require major investment.

Although the Tajik government recognizes the need to develop this entire sector, mining and research operations are currently limited to gold, coal, some precious and semi-precious stones, and a few other minerals and non-ferrous metals, as well as materials used in construction, including marble and gypsum.

Most of the mining surveys and research were conducted during the Soviet era and are outdated.

Role of Government
In theory, the Tajik government supports expansion of the mining sector, diversification of mining practices, and development of existing mines. It has pledged to simplify procedures for obtaining exploration and mining permits. In practice, however, cumbersome bureaucratic procedures and wavering political will may delay streamlining of procedures for months or years. Currently, public information about the country’s mineral resources is minimal, because the government classifies much of the information.
Deposits
As of 2012, there were approximately 500 known ore and non-ore deposits ready for development in Tajikistan. The country’s deposits of antimony, mercury, lead, zinc, silver, and rock salt are among the largest in the former Soviet Union.
Foreign Investors
According to press reports, investors from Kazakhstan, China, Russia, the UK, and Canada have shown interest and participate in the mining sector. Tajikistan mine operators have invited U.S. mining companies to participate in the development of both existing and new mining projects. Currently only one U.S. mining company operates in Tajikistan: Comsup.

A lack of roads suitable for transporting equipment and ores and insufficient electrical energy supplies around the country present a barrier to mining development.

Domestic Mineral Consumption
According to the State Statistics Committee, there are 10 enterprises in the metallurgical sector and, as of 2007, the latest year for which data are available, the metallurgical complex accounted for 45% of the total industrial sector. The two largest companies are TALCO (aluminum production) and Vostokredmet (different types of metal and chemical processing).
Following is a list of mineral deposits and operating companies: