The Combine's mines and plants are working industrial sites. Visits are by arrangement only, and every visitor needs a pass issued by the head office in Talas.
Before you travel
- Request a pass at least ten working days before the visit, giving the names, passport numbers and employers of all visitors. Passes are issued by the Security Department, tel. +996-39-2-21-40-00.
- The road from Talas to Sary-Bulak, about 32 km, passes the control post at the mouth of the Kara-Suu Canyon, about 13 km south-west of Talas. Identity documents must be shown there. See the Sary-Bulak works and the Chatkal complex on the map.
- The Sary-Bulak works lie at about 1,650 m and the Chatkal complex at about 1,600 m. From November to March the gorge roads can close in snow, and vehicles must carry chains.
- Three marshrutkas a day run from Talas to Sary-Bulak. The Combine's buses are for employees only.
Safety induction
| Visitor | Induction | Valid |
|---|---|---|
| Visitors to surface areas | 30 minutes, on arrival at the site gate | One day |
| Visitors underground | Two hours, with a test, and a medical declaration | One day |
| Contractors | One day, with a test, at the training centre of the site | Twelve months |
Rules on site
- Hard hat, safety boots, safety glasses and a high-visibility vest at all times. Underground: lamp, self-rescuer and tag board.
- Every person is breath-tested for alcohol at the gate.
- No photography without the permission of the site director.
- Visitors stay with their host at all times.
The Kara-Suu Canyon itself, with its petroglyphs and caves, is open to visitors without a pass. See Visit Irad. The mining museum at Rudnik is also open to everyone.
Journalists should contact the Press Service. See the Media kit.