Natural Resources Ministry forecasts gold and iron ore output in Russia increase by 25% by 2030
MOSCOW. Feb 26 (Interfax) - The Ministry of Natural Resources forecast that production of iron and gold ore should increase by 25% by 2030, according to the strategy for the geological sector's development until 2030, which the ministry plans to present to the government in April 2010.
Factoring in innovative development in the Russian economy, gold production in 2010 could come to 210 million tonnes in 2010, in 2020 - 220 tonnes and in 2030 - 250 tonnes.
Production of iron ore should go up by 25% from 77.2 million tonnes in 2008 to 97.9 million tonnes in 2030.
According to the ministry's forecast, the increase in production of non-ferrous metals will come between 18% for nickel and 300% for base metals. Production of copper by 2030 could increase on average by 30%, zinc - 50% and lead - 38%.