Senator from the Magadan region Anatoly Shirokov took the initiative to create a special regulatory framework for the development of technogenic placers gold. This proposal has the potential to increase production of the precious metal and create new jobs.
At a meeting of the Federation Council, the development of a regulatory framework for the development of technogenic areas of placer gold was discussed. Senator from the Magadan region Anatoly Shirokov proposed returning to proven methods of operating such deposits, in particular to production using the method of exploration and production sites.
The development of deposits using the REB method was carried out until 2016. After the abolition of this mechanism, a partial solution was found in pilot work. Since 2017, enterprises annually apply to Rosnedra for permission to develop man-made formations through pilot projects. In 2025, the validity of this instrument was extended for the ninth time. However, the existing approach does not solve the problem completely: if there are untouched areas, they have to be explored in full, which increases the preparation time by 2-3 years.
According to the senator, the unification of exploration methods for new and technogenic placers has led to a reduction in the volume of placer gold production. Returning to proven schemes will increase gold production in the region by approximately 30%. This will bring an additional 8 billion rubles in tax revenue and create about 2 thousand highly paid jobs with permanent employment.
The Union of Prospectors of Russia also supports these changes. In October 2025, the organization sent its proposals for the development of a regulatory framework to Rosnedra. Among the key initiatives is the exclusion of the geological exploration stage for the development of technogenic deposits and permission for parallel exploration and production.
The creation of a special regulatory framework for technogenic gold placers opens up significant prospects for the development of the industry. The implementation of these proposals will increase production volumes, replenish the budget and create new jobs in the regions.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @nedradvnews
Illustration: pronedra.ru
