OREANDA-NEWS. On October 29-30, the international forum “Arctic projects —today and tomorrow” was held in Arkhangelsk which was organized by the Government of the Arkhangelsk region and Association of Oil and Gas Suppliers Sozvezdye.  The forum is being held for the third time and provides a platform for discussion of key projects implemented in the Arctic.

Pavlovskoye project, for implementation of which JSC First Mining Company (comprises the management structure of JSC Atomredmetzoloto/ ARMZ Uranium Holding Co.) was represented by its general director Aleksandr Lukin. He noted that in the next five years the largest and the northernmost lead and zinc ore mining plant in Russia is planned to be built on Novaya Zemlya archipelago.

“The project is unique for the Arkhangelsk region in particular and the Arctic area of the Russian Federation on the whole, - it is the only large-scale project implemented directly in the region not connected with oil and gas production, - emphasized Aleksandr Pavlovitch. – As of today, we have fully completed the range of geological exploration operations on Pavlovskoye field, and the results obtained exceeded our expectations by far”.

Based on the results geological exploration operations lead and zinc ore reserves totaled approximately46 mln tons with metal contents of above 3 mln. Previously confirmed data - 37 mln tons with metal contents of 2.4 mln tons. At present materials have been submitted for state expert review in the State Commission on mineral resources’ reserves.

The preliminary project feasibility study showed its cost effectiveness, and market research resulted in signed protocol documents and agreements with potential consumers. Thus, direct zinc concentrate supplies are planned to be made to Russian processing facilities and Swedish concern Boliden, lead concentrate supplies – to plants of Russia, Europe and People’s Republic of China.

The project was highly evaluated by the regional Government and aroused great interest among the public.

“From the next year already, after geological exploration results approval, we will be able to embark on mining and processing combine design. Under the forum, we managed to develop partnership relationships with potential contractors – local companies interested in provision of services for design survey, construction works, personnel training etc.”, - noted Aleksandr Lukin.

Berth construction will become of the first infrastructural facilities on the archipelago according to the project road map. Construction of the combine itself will start in 2018, and market products are planned to be produced in 2020.