Protecting Species at Risk throughout Our Operational Footprint

At Centerra’s operational sites, no-hunting policies are incorporated into biodiversity and environmental management plans.

Hunting Prohibition

Prior to the creation of the Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve in the Kyrgyz Republic, issues of poaching, illegal hunting, and a lack of institutional support were the main barriers to broader wildlife biodiversity conservation. The reserve, established in 1995 with Kumtor’s collaboration, was created to protect and conserve the local ecosystems, flora and fauna. The Kumtor Mine is in an area adjacent to the reserve.

The Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve is a strictly protected Zapovednik (“protected wilderness”) that covers 72,080 hectares. Since 1995, we have maintained a strict no-hunting policy in our permitted area, which acts as a barrier to poachers.

Through this initiative, the number of argali (a near-threatened species of mountain sheep) at the reserve has increased from 750 to 2,500, making this the largest population in the Kyrgyz Republic.

In 2018, Kumtor donated over US$7,000 to the Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve to create an administrative base and improve working conditions for employees.

Similarily, at Mount Milligan there is a no-hunting or fishing policy in effect.

In addition, the use of recreational all-terrain vehicles for all employees and contractors is prohibited while on company business or commuting to and from the mine at Mount Milligan in British Columbia.