One of Russia’s flagship non-ferrous metals investment projects now has a firm target date. The Ak-Sug Mining and Processing Plant in the Republic of Tuva is scheduled to begin operations in 2031. The timeline was announced by regional head Vladislav Khovalyg during the International Buddhist Forum.
The mineral potential of the deposit in Todzha District is substantial. Preliminary estimates place Ak-Sug among Russia’s five largest copper resource bases, with approximately 5.1 million tonnes of copper. Since 2024, the project license has been held by Perspektivnye Gornorudnye Proekty, a subsidiary of the state-owned Rostec corporation that won the relevant auction.
The main challenge for the developers is the site’s logistical isolation and limited basic infrastructure. To address these constraints, the authorities and investor have launched a comprehensive preparation program. One of the key projects is the construction of a 220 kV transmission line connecting Turan and Tumannaya. The 272-kilometer power corridor is designed to provide reliable electricity to the future mining and processing operation.
The project also includes a substantial social component. Once the new grid connections are completed, approximately 8,000 residents of four remote settlements in Todzha District are expected to gain access to a stable electricity supply. For a region that has struggled with chronic power shortages, the upcoming expansion of energy infrastructure is expected to significantly improve living conditions.
Transport infrastructure is also being upgraded. Plans include major repairs to more than 130 kilometers of regional roads and construction of a bypass road around the village of Toora-Khem. A new bridge over the Kham-Sara River is also expected to open in the coming weeks, connecting previously isolated areas with the main road network.
As a result, development of Ak-Sug is evolving into a much broader infrastructure program for the entire district. Expanded power supplies, upgraded roads, and construction of the mining and processing plant are expected to reshape the economy of Todzha District, opening access to its mineral resources while improving infrastructure and living standards for local communities.
Source: TASS
Image: Intergeo
