JSC Polymetal has held a hearing on issues of hydrometallurgical plant construction in Amursk, Khabarovsk Territory
On September 29 Polymetal introduced the Amursk hydrometallurgical plant's construction process solutions and economic and environmental aspects.
The Company planned the construction of the plant as an essential part of the Albazino gold deposit development project (Khabarovsk Territory). The project provides for the construction of two facilities: the mining and processing plant directly at the deposit area and the hydrometallurgical plant for gold concentrate processing in Amursk.
The participants of the public hearings approved the proposed project unanimously on the condition of its entire compliance with environmental regulations.
It is planned to install high-efficiency equipment in all sections of the hydrometallurgical plant which will exclude negative impact on natural water streams, atmospheric air and land topography. The project also provides for the environment monitoring system development.
During the hearings the citizens of Amursk expressed considerable interest in employment at the company's subsidiaries - Amursk hydrometallurgical plant LLC and Resursi Albazino LLC. They suggested also arranging traineeships in professional areas needed by the company in the schools of Amursk.
About 300 people are expected to be employed for Amursk hydrometallurgical plant. In accordance with the Albazino - Amursk project a total of 1300 specialists will be hired.
«We consider the construction of the hydrometallurgical plant as a key point in the investment development of Amursk which is now suffering a difficult period due to an economic downturn. We believe that Polymetal will provide employment growth and revive the economy», - commented Boris Redkin, the head of Amursk administration.
Polymetal plans to launch construction of the hydrometallurgical plant in H2 2008. The precious metals production is scheduled to start in Q4 2010.
The public hearings were held in accordance with the requirements of the Russian Environmental Regulations. Minutes of the public hearings will be included in the procedure materials of the environmental impact assessment.
Albazino-Amursk project is one of the largest investment programs in Khabarovsk Territory. In the resolution of the governor of Khabarovsk Territory as of September 27, 2007 №139 «On construction of mining and processing plant at the Albazino deposit and hydrometallurgical plant in Amursk» it is stated that the project is included to the Khabarovsk Territory development program till 2010 as one of the most important projects in terms of local budgeting and increase of gold mining in the region.
Total investments in the Albazino deposit development project till 2010 amount to around $200 million; pre-estimated investments in the construction of the hydrometallurgical plant will be around $50 million. Fulfillment of the project will allow Polymetal to double its total gold mining by 2011.
PR Department
JSC Polymetal