The subsidiary company of Rosgeologiya “Sibirskoe PGO” has begun field work on searching for molybdenum deposits in Khakassia. The goal of the project is to evaluate the resources of the strategic metal and create a reliable raw material base for the only processing enterprise in Russia.
Main task geologists on Ipchulskaya area – confirm forecast resources molybdenum. It is planned that the volumes will be at least 250 thousand tons according to the preliminary category and another 150 thousand tons according to the more accurate one. The work is being carried out as part of the second stage of the large state program “Geology: Revival of a Legend.”
The uniqueness of the project is that the Sorsk ferroalloy plant is already operating in Khakassia, which can process molybdenum concentrate. Despite the presence of two known deposits, they contain only 11% of all-Russian reserves. New research should provide the plant with raw materials for the long term.
According to the director of Sibirsky PGO, Kairat Dzhakeev, the discovery of new fields will not only support existing production, but will also give a powerful impetus to the development of the entire republic. The creation of new jobs, an influx of investment and infrastructure development are expected.
Molybdenum is a critical material for metallurgy. It is used as an alloying additive for the production of high-strength and corrosion-resistant steels, as well as special alloys. Most of the world’s reserves are concentrated in China, Chile, Peru and the USA. For Russia, this metal is of strategic importance, since the country still depends on imports. The main Russian reserves are located in Buryatia and the Trans-Baikal Territory.
Thus, the successful completion of prospecting work in Khakassia will help reduce import dependence and strengthen the industrial potential of not only the region, but the entire country.
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: @rusgeology
