OREANDA-NEWS. January 22, 2013. Joint project of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. and JSC PIMCU named “Development of integrated technology for processing of low-grade raw uranium by geotechnological methods” has won a contest for the right to receive grant for the implementation of integrated projects aimed at establishing high-tech production. The contest was organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

 Total funding under the project will amount to RUR 400 mln in 2013–2015. Trans-Baikal State University, which will act as partner of both ARMZ and PIMCU, is expected to develop a project for integrated processing of residual reserves of Tulukui quarry and Mine No. 4 by geotechnological methods.

According to the terms of the contest, the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia will refund costs associated with research and development (R&D) activities in the amount of RUR 150 mln. The remaining portion of funds provided by JSC PIMCU will be allocated to ensure both organization of works and implementation of R&D results into production.

 “Extraction of ore with low uranium content by a traditional mining method is economically irrational,” noted Tigran Khachaturov, the acting Director General of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. “Implementation of this project will enable us to perform cost-effective processing of reserves of Tulukui open pit and Mine No. 4 at JSC PIMCU.”

 For the purposes of the project implementation, a working group will be created consisting of scientists, post-graduate students and students of Trans-Baikal State University. They will be involved in research, development and technological activities under the project at the facility during three years.

 Collaboration between ARMZ, PIMCU and Trans-Baikal State University will also allow the Union to recruit highly qualified professionals from the University graduates. They will have an opportunity to get a permanent job at the facility if the assigned tasks are solved successfully.

 JSC PIMCU and Trans-Baikal State University have been cooperating for many years. Every year, the facility’s employees undergo training at the University. And opening of the University’s branch in Krasnokamensk has been included under the program entitled “45 Deeds Marking the 45th Anniversary of PIMCU.”
 Totally, about 800 applications were filed for the contest held by the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, and only 71 projects were selected.