CEO Today Global Awards

www.ceotodaymagazine.com 76 CEO Today Global Awards 2019 Kyrgyzstan ARTEM VOLYNETS CEO of CHAARAT GOLD HOLDINGS LTD FIRM PROFILE Chaarat is an AIM listed gold development company focused on the 7Moz high grade Chaarat Gold Project in the Kyrgyz Republic. Management believe that the Chaarat Project has the potential to sustain 3-400koz of production per annum for a prolonged mine life. Chaarat’s mission is the responsible and profitable production of gold by developing low cost operations. Chaarat plans to unlock the long term potential of the Chaarat Gold Project through a staged development process. Initially, the Tulkubash heap leach project will be developed to build a strong operating base in the Kyrgyz Republic and provide long term financial strength. The larger, higher grade Kyzyltash sulphide resource will be developed at a later stage by leveraging operating cash flow. Chaarat is committed to working with all stakeholders in the delivery of our long term vision. Safety, employee well-being and protection of the environment are central to our team and our day to day operations. As a Company, and as individuals, Chaarat values respect, honesty, teamwork, accountability and open communication in all relationships. In addition to compliance with national mining and environmental legislation, Chaarat is committed to meeting the expectations of good international industry practice, including recommendations set out by the IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability. Our priority is to ensure the support provided is invested according to the priorities of the local communities and for the greatest benefit of the majority of the population. In 2017, Chaarat Zaav and the Chatkal district Administration signed a Memorandum with the Kanysh-Kiya and Chatkal Ayil Okmotu (Rural Councils), aimed at providing support to the local residents in the priority areas of employment and education, transport and infrastructure development, medical treatment, and recreational activities. We are pleased that our successful implementation of the social package was rewarded by letters of appreciation from both Okmotus as well as the Akim who is the Government appointed head of the Chatkal district administration. We have a regional office in the Chatkal district at Kanysh-Kia which logs all comments and complaints received from local residents and our staff work on resolving the identified issues. The office is also responsible for informing the local community about the activities of Chaarat, including employment opportunities, so maintaining our licence to operate as we develop the Tulkubash Project. During the year, the Chatkal District Administration organised public hearings attended by representatives of eight mining companies operating in the Chatkal district.At the hearings, our representatives presented a report on the work completed in 2016, including implementation of the 2016 Memorandum; and also informed the public about Chaarat’s plans for 2017. We continue to be fully committed to ensuring the highest standards of health and safety, as well as taking all precautions for the protection of the environment, and at the same time respecting local culture. ABOUT ARTEM VOLYNETS Past roles: Mr Volynets has more than 20 years’ experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and senior corporate management roles. During this time, he has led private and public transactions worth more than US$30 billion and managed leading businesses in the metals and mining industry. Brings to the Board: His M&A, capital markets and executive experience in the mining sector, combined with his global industry and investor connections in Russia and Asia, will be invaluable to progress the Chaarat Project and achieve further growth based on acquisitions in Central Asia and the FSU. Other commitments: Artem founded ACG Amur Capital Group Ltd which is an advisory and investment management firm in 2014. He is also an independent director and a member of the Strategy and Budget Committees of PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel. www.chaarat.com