The Russian government has expanded the boundaries of the priority development territory “Chukotka” for the implementation of a large-scale project for the development of the Baimsky deposits. The decision, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, opens up new opportunities for the development of industrial infrastructure in the region.
The Chukotka ASEZ now includes additional land plots with a total area of over 20 thousand hectares. These territories are located in the Pevek municipal district and the Bilibino municipal district. Expanding the boundaries of the special zone creates favorable conditions for the continuation of work within the investment project.
It is planned to build key infrastructure facilities of the Baimsky mining and processing plant on the new territory. Priority tasks include the creation of modern logistics centers, a marine terminal and highways. Particular attention is paid to the construction of power supply facilities and heating points for work in the far north.
Investments in the construction of the mining and processing plant are estimated at $8.5 billion. The first stage of production is planned to be launched in 2029 with a processing capacity of 35 million tons of ore annually. Next year, the second stage is planned to be commissioned, which will double production figures to 70 million tons of ore.
The implementation of the project will have a significant impact on the country’s economy. During the first ten years of operation, the enterprise will annually produce about 300 thousand tons of copper and 490 thousand ounces of gold. This will ensure an increase in total copper production in Russia by 25%, and gold – by 4%. The field’s exploitation life exceeds 20 years.
The Baimskaya ore zone, which is being developed by the GDK Baimskaya company, has significant mineral reserves. Geological reserves are estimated at 9.5 million tons of copper and 16.5 million ounces of gold. Work on the development of the field has been ongoing since the fall of 2018.
The expansion of the priority development area in Chukotka demonstrates the strategic importance of the Baimsky project for the development of the Far Eastern region. The creation of a modern production and transport infrastructure will not only allow for the efficient development of the field, but will also give impetus to the socio-economic development of the entire Chukotka region.
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
Photo: zolteh.ru
