Scientists of Yakutia have taken the initiative to create a single cluster for the development of rare metals. The project will combine three large deposits, including the production of lithium, rare earth metals and tungsten.
A single cluster for the development of rare metals may appear in Yakutia. The initiative was proposed by scientists planning to combine three key projects: the production of lithium, rare earth metals (REM) and tungsten. This was reported by TASS with reference to Doctor of Technical Sciences Andrei Matveev, Chief Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences of Yakutia.
There are 42 mineral deposits in the region, of which 10 contain rare metals. Scientists propose to focus efforts on three objects:
1. Project to extract lithium from brines of the Udachnaya pipe.
2. Extraction of rare earth metals (niobium, scandium and manganese) at the Tomtor deposit.
3. Development of the Agylkinskoye deposit to obtain tungsten concentrate.
The production of lithium carbonate in the Mirny region will become part of the development strategy of Western Yakutia. The concentration of lithium in the drainage waters of the Udachnaya diamond deposit reaches 150 mg/l, which makes the project promising.
The Tomtorskoye field, located in the north-west of Yakutia, has already passed the stage of geological exploration. Research is currently underway on ore processing, and REM mining is planned for 2027-2028.
The Agylkinskoye copper-tungsten deposit, according to Polymetal company estimates, contains more than 10 million tons of ore and significant reserves of tungsten, copper and gold. The company is currently looking for modern technologies for efficient development of the field.
The creation of a rare metals cluster in Yakutia could be an important step for the development of the region and strengthening Russia’s position in the global rare metals market. Scientists are confident that combining projects will optimize resources and speed up their implementation.
Source: nedradv.ru
