Norilsk Nickel Advances Development of Russia’s Largest Lithium Deposit

Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel), Russia's top metals miner, is progressing with the development of the Kolmozerskoye lithium deposit in the Murmansk region amid curtailed exports to the country hit by Western sanctions. The project, the largest of its kind in Russia, is being conducted through a joint venture with state nuclear corporation Rosatom called Polar Lithium.

The Kolmozerskoye deposit, initially explored in the 1950s, is the largest lithium reserve in Russia. It accounts for 24.2% of the country's lithium reserves, with an average lithium oxide content of 1.13%, comparable to global deposits.

Since the project's inception, 184 wells totaling over 40 kilometers have been drilled. Preliminary geological survey results, currently under analysis, appear promising. More than half of the collected samples have been analyzed, confirming previously identified ore bodies and revealing new deposits

Igor Demidov, CEO of Polar Lithium, said, "We expect an increase in reserves and improved ore quality. The company is working to establish a raw material base for a full-cycle lithium industry in Russia."

The project is scheduled to enter its next phase in mid-2025, with the development of a feasibility study for state examination. Work is underway to determine the optimal method for opening and developing the deposit, with a plan for the main production facilities of the future processing plant already prepared.

Alexander Popov, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Nornickel's Zabaikalsky Division, said, "Our goal is to create an efficient, modern production facility throughout the entire chain, from extraction to processing."

The development of the Kolmozerskoye deposit is significant for Russia's efforts to establish a domestic lithium industry and reduce import dependence. As global demand for lithium rises, driven by electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, this project could position Russia as a notable player in the global lithium market.

For Nornickel, already a major producer of nickel, copper, and platinum group metals, this venture represents a strategic diversification into battery materials. The project's success could have implications for the company's future growth and its position in the evolving global metals market.