Institute of Geology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan:

N. T. Pak, Head of Laboratory, Candidate of Geological–Mineralogical Sciences, paknikolay50@mail.ru
E. A. Ivleva, Senior Researcher

Under discussion is rare-earth mineralization in Kyrgyzstan. Rare-earth metal zones in the Northern, Medial and Southern Tien Shan are described. Some deposits are characterized individually. The data on rare-earth reserves and resources are reported. It is emphasized that the primary task for the mining industry in Kyrgyzstan is recommencement of rare-earth element production. To this effect, it is required to reconstruct a processing plant at Kutessay-II deposit and launch a mining and metallurgical plant. Furthermore, it is necessary to continue deep-level mineral appraisal and to accomplish economical-and-geological re-appraisal of remaining reserves of rare-earth elements in view of the current prices. Despite favorable possibilities of discovering large deposits, the territory of Kyrgyzstan remains yet to be explored in terms of rare earths. Most of rare earth deposits and mineralizations were discovered before the 1980s. Majority of the discovered rare earth deposits in Kyrgyzstan are unexplored and unappraised. Accessing from surface involved very few of them. It is topical to continue exploration and prospecting in the areas holding mineralizations and deposits of rare earths, and in the new zones suitable for rare earth discovery. With this end in view, the development strategy of the Republic should include a new program on integrated analysis, prospecting, exploration and mining of rare-earth elements.

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