Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 4 / Trend , S.Babayeva/
Industrial
gold mining may be launched in Azerbaijan in mid-2009, Azerbaijani Environment
and Natural Resources Minister Guseyngulu Bagirov said at a meeting with
Caspian Integration Business Club (CIBC) companies on Feb. 4. Gold reserves
total several hundred tons.
"Real reserves may be even more. We will verify the truth of our assumptions in
near future, as geological and exploration work is underway," he said.
According to the minister, gold mining in Azerbaijan will not affect prices in
the domestic market.
Previously, Anglo Asian Mining PLC, engaged in gold and copper mining in Azerbaijan, announced a start of gold production in the Gadabay region this April.
Construction at the plant has been completed.
Anglo Asian Mining PLC has the right
to develop six fields in the south-west of Azerbaijan - Gadabay, Ordubad, Gosha
Bulag, Gizil Bulag, Vejnali and Suyutlu on the basis of the agreement signed
with the Azerbaijani Government in August 1997.