KAZ Minerals is set to enhance the infrastructure of the Baimskaya ore zone in the Chukotka Autonomous Region, with the Russian government facilitating the construction of an all-season road to the mining site. This development is a critical component of the flagship project aimed at exploiting one of the world's largest undeveloped copper deposits.
The construction of a road from Bilibino to Cape Nagleinyn is essential not only for transporting copper and gold from the future Baimsky mining and processing plant but also for delivering food and goods to the local communities as part of the northern delivery system. The project will be executed under a public-private partnership, with Polar Express, a subsidiary of the Baimskaya State House of Culture, taking the lead in construction and operation.
Energy infrastructure enhancements are also underway, with RusHydro constructing a second Pevek - Bilibino power transmission line to ensure reliable power supply from the “Akademik Lomonosov” floating nuclear power plant. This initiative is expected to conclude by 2025, significantly bolstering the project's energy needs.
Marine infrastructure development is another focal point, with the Russian government appointing a contractor to revamp the port of Pevek. A budget of 26.8 billion rubles has been allocated for the sea harbor's renovation, signifying the federal commitment to the project's success.
The Baimskaya ore zone project, centered around the Peschanka deposit, promises a substantial yield of copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum, with an annual processing volume of about 70 million tons and an output of 1.4 million tons of metal concentrates. The project, with an investment volume of $8.5 billion, is anticipated to commence operations in 2027 and achieve full capacity by 2028.
This initiative not only underscores Chukotka's growing investment profile, as highlighted by Governor Vladislav Kuznetsov, but also illustrates the importance of addressing infrastructure needs to unlock the potential of the region's natural resources. With over 197 billion rubles already invested in the local economy, creating thousands of jobs, the Baimsky GOK stands as a testament to the synergistic efforts of federal support and investor confidence in fostering regional development.
