Nick Bridgen discusses his journey from England to north-east Kazakhstan to develop gold mining operations. [1] He raised $500,000 from friends and family, followed by another $500,000 when he mortgaged his home in England, to establish Hambledon Mining. [2] Production has risen steadily over four years, with gold output increasing more than 20% last year to over 11,000 ounces, while silver production was also up. [3] The mine is located near the village of Sesiskovka in an ecologically sensitive way that provides jobs for local communities.