Kyzyl-Tashtyg is a high-quality, ultra-large zinc-rich polymetallic mine, with a design throughput of 1 million tonnes per annum. It stands as a successful Chinese mining operation in Russia.
Kyzyl-Tashtyg is being developed in two phases. Phase I (2008–2019): Developed and commissioned open-pit mining operations and a processing plant in 2015, with an annual throughput of 1 million tonnes. Phase II (2020–present): Transitioned to underground mining, employing the pillarless sub-level caving method. After receiving government certification in 2021, the project entered a five-year construction period, achieving stable production by 2022. Phase II continues to advance in 2025, focusing on deep-level extraction and safe, efficient operations.
In 2006, Zijin Mining acquired a 70% interest in the Kyzyl-Tashtyg Zinc-Lead Project in Tuva, Russia. Heilongjiang Longxing International Resources Development Group Co., Ltd. holds the remaining 30%.
The project is committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by fostering economic and social development in its host region. Through internal and external training programs, it prepares local employees for important roles. It also supported a wide range of community initiatives, including the Reindeer Herders’ Cultural Festival hosted by the Todzha District Government; a book fair at the Tuva Republic Library; a greenhouse agricultural project and a children’s summer camp at Azas Lake, both in the Todzha District.
Thanks to the funding it provided, the design and renovation of the Kyzyl-Saryg-Shep Highway (KM20+500–KM23+500 section) was completed and new teaching equipment was procured for the Ak-Dovurak Technical College in Tuva. Additionally, the mine plans to finance the construction of a kindergarten in the Todzha District with enough space for 160 children.