History, Problems and Prospects of Gold Mining in the Republic of Tyva

Abstract

The paper reviews the development of gold mining industry in the Republic of Tuva in different historical periods. Gold mining, which appeared on the territory of Tuva since ancient times, was later practically lost and resumed only in the middle of the XIX century. By the beginning of the twentieth century rich gold-bearing areas were discovered here, which are still being developed today. During the formation of the Tuva People’s Republic the local mines were developed in a predatory way. However, since 1936, the industry came under state management. During the Soviet period, the explored reserves and volumes of gold production in the republic were significantly reduced, but active geological exploration of the eastern regions of the republic began, which led to the discovery of new placer gold deposits. The development of the latter began at the turn of the 20th-21st centuries. Further development of gold mining industry is connected with the development of these deposits.