At an extended meeting of the special working group, representatives of Polar Lithium reported on the progress of development of the largest lithium deposit in Russia.
Polar Lithium, a joint venture of Norilsk Nickel and Rosatom, has completed geological exploration work, carried out land reclamation at the deposit site, conducted engineering surveys at the mining camp and soon intends to complete field work to find a water intake for the future mining and processing plant, the company's chief geologist Valentin Kryazhev noted.
The annual environmental monitoring will begin in the second quarter of 2025. In the fourth quarter, the company plans to complete engineering tests at the mining site, processing plant and tailings facility, and to upload the deposit’s reserves into the state balance based on geological exploration results.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with initiative groups of indigenous peoples, company representatives spoke about a number of environmental and social initiatives that are part of the deposit development project.
Vasily Zakharov, head of public and government relations at Polar Lithium, said that the company plans to initiate the procedure for obtaining free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) this year and begin investing resources in the territory of its presence.
Norilsk Nickel is in contact with the indigenous population and is discussing an infrastructure plan that should not disrupt the way of life of indigenous peoples - routes should not pass through religious sites and historical burials, and the impact on their lands will be minimized.
Finally, during a survey of the Lovozero tundra near the Kolmozerskoye deposit, a site of ancient Neolithic man was discovered, which will be preserved as an archaeological monument and transferred to the public for study.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
