Centerra Gold

After 16 years, Askar Akayev returned to Kyrgyzstan in connection with the Kyrgyz state’s growing case against the Canadian mining company Centerra Gold.

The fight for control over Kyrgyzstan's single most valuable asset has devolved into ugly public recriminations.

Centerra’s Kyrgyz subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States as the company seeks to talk things out with Bishkek.

After “meritless” tax and environmental claims and a new law threatening the ownership of the mine, the Canadian investor has escalated the dispute. 

Corruption has not only limited FDI into Kyrgyzstan, but forced the country to accept unfavorable treaty terms.

A wave of protests (and lack of any government response) is challenging Mongolia's political system.

Kyrgyzstan's mine headache, European and Eurasian integration, timekeeping in the Pamirs; weekend reads.

After withdrawing from restructuring negotiations in December, Bishkek is set to decide on Centerra’s mining permits.

Also, Tajikistan in the Saudi Arabia-Iran split and the Silk Road’s revival; weekend reads.

Remember, all that glitters... will be stalled in seemingly endless politicking.

Once again the Kumtor gold mine produces controversy.