Russia has officially launched the first stage of ore processing at the Chernogorsk Mining and Processing Complex in Norilsk, marking the start of exploitation of one of the largest platinum group metal deposits in the world. The project, run by Russian Platinum in cooperation with Norilsk Nickel, is expected to produce up to 55 tonnes of platinum and palladium annually once fully operational.
The Chernogorsk deposit, development of which began in 2021, contains an estimated 143 million tonnes of ore, including 359 tonnes of palladium and 133 tonnes of platinum. The initial phase of the complex includes the mine itself, a primary crushing plant, the main processing building and a combined heat and power plant.
According to Russian Platinum, construction of these facilities is more than 80% complete. Full commissioning of the plant is scheduled for the end of 2026. The final product will be copper and nickel concentrates with high platinum and palladium content.
Strategic significance for Russia’s Arctic ambitions
The Chernogorsk complex is being implemented as part of Russia’s Development Strategy for the Arctic Zone and the National Security Strategy until 2035. The deposit is located in the Arctic region, where Moscow has been intensifying its resource extraction efforts.
– The Arctic holds immense resource potential, and this project directly contributes to our strategic goals in the region – said Dmitry Petrov, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
Production targets and timeline
The designed capacity of the Chernogorsk processing plant in the first stage is 7 to 9 million tonnes of ore per year. In terms of platinum group metals, that translates to roughly 55 tonnes annually of platinum and palladium combined.
Russian Platinum highlighted that the rapid development was made possible by the partnership with Norilsk Nickel, which provided technical expertise and infrastructure support. The cooperation allowed the company to accelerate the project timeline significantly.
Once the project reaches full capacity, it is expected to supply critical raw materials for various high-tech industries, including automotive catalysts, electronics, and hydrogen fuel cells, where platinum and palladium are indispensable.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. clubclose / Shutterstock
