Russian gold mining company PJSC Polyus poured the first gold bar from the ore obtained at its Sukhoi Log project located in the Irkutsk region. The ore was processed at the Verninsky MPP’s refinery.
"Obtaining the first gold from the ore of Sukhoi Log, one of the largest gold deposits in the world, is an important event for Polyus," commented the company's CEO Alexey Vostokov. "We have carried out extensive preparatory work to create the necessary infrastructure for the development of the deposit, and last year, thanks to additional exploration, we added another 3.5 million ounces of Sukhoi Log reserves to the balance sheet."
Located in the Bodaibo district of the Irkutsk region, the Sukhoi Log deposit is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the world. According to 2023 estimates, Sukhoi Log reserves amount to 43.5 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 2.1 g/t. Resources amount to 81 million ounces at a grade of 1.8 g/t.
The company is currently conducting the feasibility study of the project. It plans to provide updated information by the end of 2024.
"The implementation of energy-efficient technologies and compliance with high environmental standards, in particular, the provision of renewable electricity, remain a priority for at the design stage and in the construction of the deposit’s infrastructure," Vostokov added.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
