OREANDA-NEWS. JSC RUSBURMASH completed second surveying season of the implementation of a large-scale exploration project of federal importance on the Yuzhny Island of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago in the Arctic Region, which involves exploration of the Pavlovskoye lead-zinc deposit.

During the 2014 surveying season, geological exploration activities were carried out in full scope, including exploratory drilling, drifting of surface mining workings, geophysical operations (gravity and geoelectrical prospecting), hydrogeological, engineering and geological studies. The full scope of field operations was fulfilled in record-breaking time frames, in just four months, whereas a standard time frame is no less than two surveying seasons.

At this stage, more than 70 persons of geological, geophysical and drilling crews were engaged, in line with four drilling rigs and more than twenty items of auxiliary equipment.

Under the terms and conditions of the contract, it is further planned to perform economic and geological evaluation of the Pavlovskoye deposit, to approve a feasibility study of permanent exploration conditions with the State Commission for Mineral Reserves of the Russian Federation and to calculate major and associated reserves. These works have been commissioned by the project operator, JSC First Ore-Mining Company (a subsidiary and affiliate of JSC Atomredmetzoloto). Time frame for the project implementation under the contract is by 2nd quarter 2015.

Exploration of the Pavlovskoye deposit is a strategic project implemented by RUSBURMASH, noted Igor Saveliev, Director General of JSC RUSBURMASH. Calculated reserves of lead-zinc ores, obtained data on technological properties of ores, as well as on hydrogeological and geo-technological conditions of deposit development will make it possible to commence designing the largest mining facility in the Arctic Region. For our company, this is a unique experience, which undoubtedly will be helpful in our future upstream projects both in Russia and abroad.