Kumtor Gold Company’s tyre retreading and recycling plant in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, aims to reach full capacity by the end of 2024. The facility, which began pilot operations in August 2023, is expected to process 2,000 off-the-road (OTR) tyres and 8,000 tyres for specialised equipment annually, according to a statement from President Sadir Zhaparov’s office.
Retreading Investment Paying Off
The $19.2 million investment has established the plant as one of Central Asia’s largest and most advanced, utilising German technology. Many of the workforce received training in Germany to ensure high production standards. While the plant is intended to meet Kumtor’s internal demand, the government has plans to export tyres to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Kumtor Gold Company, which operates Kyrgyzstan’s largest gold deposits, aims to cut tyre replacement costs by 30-40% through retreading. During the pilot phase, 900,000 kg of used tyres were recycled, though retreading operations have been slower to ramp up. The plant introduced its first retreaded tyres at a Bishkek industry exhibition in August 2024.
Factory director Alexander Smetanin noted that the retreading process relies on imported raw materials from Italy and Turkey. Full-scale production is anticipated to enhance Kumtor’s financial performance further. Following a successful 2023, the company generated a net profit of $302 million, surpassing expectations.
