Argunskoye, Zherlovoye deposits to meet Rosatom uranium needs for 40 years - PM

CHITA. Aug 16 (Interfax) - The Argunskoye and Zherlovoye deposits in Krasnokamensk will meet the uranium needs of state nuclear corporation Rosatom for 40 years, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a visit to Transbaikal Territory.

"The project is strategic. The development of the Argunskoye and Zherlovoye deposits will make it possible for Rosatom to meet needs for a strategic resource, uranium, for almost 40 years. This is very important. Basically, when we talk about the green agenda, about how to further develop our energy and develop it using the latest technologies so as to do the minimum environmental damage, this is exactly what we're doing. And I hope that everything will be in good order in terms of the environment," Mishustin said.

Rosatom subsidiary Atomredmetzoloto's (ARMZ) project to develop the Argunskoye and Zherlovoye deposits involves building the Rudnik No. 6 mine and a facility to process carbonate ore to extract uranium (in metal).

The operation, which is a resident of the Zabaikalye priority development area, will have capacity of 850,000 tonnes of uranium ore per year. This will cover Rosatom's uranium needs and maintain and develop the production base of the single industry town of Krasnokamensk.

The enterprise, which is scheduled to go into operation in 2026, will create 943 new jobs. Construction and installation work is now underway, equipment is being purchased and planning and surveying work is being done.