The Natalka mine, in Magadan.
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Russia’s largest gold producer Polyus has officially launched the Natalka mine – the LSE-listed company’s main greenfield project.
The first stage of hot commissioning of the Natalka plant, which has the capacity to process 10-million tonnes a year and is the largest in Russia, was officially launched on Tuesday during a ceremony attended by President Vladimir Putin, in Vladivostok.
Natalka, in Serbia, will provide between 420 000 oz/y and 470 000 oz/y of additional production and support Polyus’ targeted increase in overall gold production to about 2.8-million ounces by 2019.
The company aims to reach full production by the end of 2018.
Polyus reported that the major processing equipment, including the primary crusher, the crushed ore conveyer, the primary SAG mill and the main ball mill, was operational and that the construction of auxiliary facilities and supporting infrastructure was ongoing.
Natalka has an ore reserves of 16-million ounces and a mineral resources totalling 34-million ounces.