OREANDA-NEWS. Polymetal Engineering - a leading Russian company in providing technical solutions to address mining industry challenges, a subsidiary of Polymetal, has successfully completed Stage I and Stage II of a contracted design project to optimize development of the Lomonosov diamond mine.  The mine - located in the Arkhangelsk Region - is being developed by Severalmaz, an Alrosa subsidiary.

According to the press service of Polymetal Management Company, Polymetal Engineering, Polymetal Engineering has wrapped up optimizing a calendar plan for transitioning from experimental-industrial work to pit design at the Lomonosov GOK.

During the first stage of the project, Polymetal Engineering prepared information to optimize three to five-year plans at the deposit, including isolating stripping and ore (with diamond head grade). Polymetal Engineering also estimated necessary mining transportation equipment for the project.

During the second stage, Polymetal Engineering developed technical solutions and optimization calculations for Lomonosov"s development. These plans include: a new year-by-year pit plan and a revamped time schedule.

Working together, specialists from Polymetal Engineering, Severalmaz and Alrosa agreed on the need for a new strategic approach to project development. The new approach is aimed at allowing Severalmaz to reduce its capital expenditures for building and maintaining roads. 

The calendar optimization program designed by Polymetal Engineering is expected to allow Severalmaz to save about 3.2 billion rubles (approximately $113 mln.).

Based on Polymetal Engineering"s recommendations, technical decisions on the organization of the tailing dump at the Lomonosov GOK have been made.  These technical decisions are intended to extend the lifespan of the factory at the Lomonosov GOK and increase ore processing capacity to 6.6 mln. tpa.