After six weeks, search operations at the Lysii Waste Rock Dump are unable to locate
two missing miners.

Open-pit mining operations are currently ramping up and are expected to be in full mining production soon, while the mill continues to process stockpiled ore as planned for 2020, according to the company. In addition, Kumtor is continuing its own internal review and cooperating with Kyrgyz authorities’ inquiries in relation to the Lysii Waste Rock Dump. After six weeks, the search operation at the Lysii Waste Rock Dump returned no sign of the two missing employees. With the consent of the families and the relevant Kyrgyz state agencies, including the Ministry of Emergency Services, the decision was made to stop the search effort. A funeral prayer was held at the site attended by family members, relatives and community supporters.

“Our thoughts, condolences and prayers are with our employees, families and our deepest appreciation is to all those involved in the search efforts,” the company said in a statement. In related news, Centerra announced that the first gold pour from its Öksüt Mine in Turkey occurred on schedule and ahead of budget. Additionally, the project achieved a significant safety milestone this week, achieving 2 million work hours Lost Time Injury Free.

President and CEO Scott Perry said, “This is an important milestone for the project and for the growth of the company as Öksüt is now our third operating mine and our third source of gold production going forward. Reaching the first gold pour is a testament to the dedication and hard work that our Öksüt team has put in to reach this goal safely.”

“This milestone would not have been achieved without the initial conviction and perseverance from the Centerra exploration team given that the Öksüt mine, originally started as a greenfield exploration venture in 2009.”