Polar Lithium, a joint venture between Nornickel and Rosatom, has completed an exploration drilling of 184 wells with a combined length of more than 40 km at its Kolmozerskoye lithium deposit.
The exploration data is being processed using advanced technologies, yielding 3D geological, hydrogeological, and geomechanical models.
“The preliminary exploration data, currently under review, looks promising. Over 50% of the samples have been processed, confirming the ore bodies mapped in the 1950s and identifying new, previously unknown ones. The results point to anticipated growth in reserves as well as enhancements to the ore quality. The company is making concerted efforts to create a resource base for a full-cycle (from mine to EV) lithium industry in Russia,” said Polar Lithium’s CEO Igor Demidov.
The All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Mineral Resources (VIMS) has been engaged to develop a new feasibility study and submit the new reserves data for state expert review in mid-2025. Work is underway to select the optimal option for tapping into and developing the deposit, and a site plan for the main facilities of the future mining and processing plant has been developed.
Meanwhile, Polar Lithium will serve as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies in the metals and mining industry, said Alexander Popov, Senior Vice President of Nornickel, CEO and Head of the company’s Trans-Baikal Division.
“Our mission is to establish efficient, state-of-the-art operations spanning the entire production chain — from mining to processing. It will be unparalleled in Russia and raise the bar for the industry,” Popov added.
The Kolmozerskoye field is expected to become the largest lithium project in Russia.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief, Rough&Polished
