The Lovozero Mining and Processing Plant (GOK) has completed the reconstruction of the Karnasurt mine, which was mothballed during Soviet times. This event will significantly increase the volume of production of strategically important raw materials.
Lovozersky GOK is the flagship of the domestic industry and practically the only enterprise in Russia that mines a unique ore – loparite. It is this mineral that contains valuable rare earth metals, without which the development of high technologies, from electronics to the defense complex, is impossible.
Any mine where loparite is mined is of great importance. That is why a strategic decision was made to bring the old workings back to life. The work was carried out as part of a large-scale enterprise modernization program. The length of the updated underground route was about three kilometers. This is not just the restoration of infrastructure, but the introduction of modern technologies for efficient and safe production.
After the on-site enrichment process, the resulting loparite concentrate is sent to the Solikamsk magnesium plant. There, oxides of rare earth elements are extracted from it – the basis for the production of powerful magnets, lasers, batteries and other high-tech products.
Investments in the development of the Karnasurt mine are a look into the future. According to the plans of JSC Rosatom Nedra, modernization should by 2030 bring the enterprise to the annual production of 12 thousand tons of loparite concentrate. This increase in production will reduce dependence on imports and create new jobs in the region.
The restoration of the mine at the Lovozersky GOK is a striking example of import substitution and the development of the domestic raw material base. The project not only has clear economic prospects, but also makes a significant contribution to the technological sovereignty of Russia, opening up new opportunities for industry and science.
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: TGC @dprom
