Polymetal is bringing its Pacific Mining and Metallurgical Complex (Pacific MMC) project in Khabarovsk Krai back into active development. The facility is designed to process refractory gold ores and concentrates, helping to address a shortage of processing capacity in Russia’s Far East.
Construction work was suspended in 2022 due to the impact of international sanctions. Alexander Govorunov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, recently expressed confidence in the project’s prospects and confirmed the company’s readiness to move forward with its implementation.
A key prerequisite for launching the complex is the development of environmental infrastructure. Polymetal has signed an agreement with the Government of Khabarovsk Krai and Rosvodokanal to design and construct modern wastewater treatment facilities in Sovetskaya Gavan. At present, the city discharges untreated wastewater into the sea. The mining company will finance the preparation of the project documentation for the new treatment system.
The construction of these facilities is expected to accelerate the development of the metallurgical complex itself. The Pacific MMC will serve as a versatile processing hub for refractory gold-bearing concentrates and will provide treatment capacity for new gold mining projects across the Russian Far East.
From a technological standpoint, the facility will be based on the same processing solutions successfully implemented at Polymetal’s operating Amur Mining and Metallurgical Complex. The plant is expected to process up to 300,000 tonnes of third-party gold concentrate annually. In 2021, the project’s capital cost was estimated at RUB 60 billion, although rising equipment and construction costs mean that the final budget will need to be revised.
The launch of the Pacific MMC is expected to create new industrial capacity and employment opportunities in Khabarovsk Krai. In addition, the region will gain a modern wastewater treatment system and strengthen its position as a major center for the advanced processing of precious metals.
Source: @nerzhavey
Image: Polymetal
