OREANDA-NEWS. Unique geological exploration operations on the northernmost lead–zinc deposit of Russia on Yuzhny island of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago were performed under the order of JSC The First Ore Mining Company (subsidiary company of ARMZ Uranium holding) by the geological exploration company of the mining division of Rosatom State Corporation – JSC RUSBURMASH during 2013-2015. Results of operations enabled to calculate reserves of lead-zinc ores, obtain data on process ore properties, hydrogeological and mine engineering conditions of deposit’s development.

Based on the results of performed exploration operations in FBI SRC Rosnedra constant exploration conditions and reserves of silver-containing lead-zinc ores of commercial categories for open-pit mining conditions were approved.

In-place reserves as per B+C1+C2 categories made up over 47 mln ore tons (2.48 mln zinc tons, 549 thousand lead tons and 1194 silver tons). The total growth rate was over 26%.

These data are a basis for design of the largest mining plant of the Artic.

Let us remind that Pavlovskoye ore field is one of the largest mine-polymetallic facilities of Bezymyanskoye ore cluster. The 12 sq.km deposit’s area adjoins the offshore part of the Barents sea and is located at the distance of 16-18 km from the deep-water bay capable of receiving sea vessels with the displacement of 6-8 thous.t.

The next stage for preparation of Pavlovskoye deposit for commercial development will be implementation of the range of engineering-survey operations and design of the northernmost lead and zinc ore mining and processing plant in Russia.

Main facilities of the mining and processing plant will be the open-pit mining facility, concentration factory with the capacity of 3.5 mln. ore tons per year, self-contained power supply facilities, rotation camp for 450 people, range of administrative and sanitary-amenity buildings and facilities combined by common infrastructure. On the northern coast of Bezymyannaya bay port and portside facilities will be located.

Surveys operations are planned to be performed during 2016-2017 and drafted design documentation is to be submitted to Glavgosexpertiza in 2018.