Nornickel's Bystrinsky GOK to survey copper-gold deposit in Chukotka
MOSCOW. Sept 4 (Interfax) - Bystrinsky GOK, a division of Russian mining giant Nornickel in Transbaikal Territory, has signed a letter of intent with the government of Chukotka to survey and develop the Yuzhno-Tanyurerskaya Ploschad resource property, the region and the company reported.
The eight-year agreement was signed by Chukotka Governor Vladislav Kuznetsov and Bystrinsky GOK CEO Mikhail Salkov at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
A large copper, gold, silver and molybdenum deposit could be developed at Yuzhno-Tanyurerskaya Ploschad.
Bystrinsky GOK plans to implement the project gradually to study reserves and subsequently assess the prospects of developing the deposit.
"Work with subsoil resources is always a long and complex process, particularly in the conditions of Chukotka. We understand that every decision must be carefully weighed and take into account the specifics of the [eastern Russian] region - the climate, infrastructure and the interests of residents. This project is another step in the development of resources that will create a point of growth for the economy and new jobs. Today we confirmed our serious intentions with our new partner, Bystrinsky GOK, and are ready to start work," Kuznetsov said.
The Chukotka government plans to provide methodological and consulting assistance in the development of the project, as well as help resolve issues that arise in its implementation.
"[Bystrinsky GOK] plans to develop the raw materials base, expand. We hope that the exploration that we will do will confirm forecast reserves of copper and gold. And then we will implement this project," Salkov said.
Bystrinsky GOK produces copper concentrate that it sells in China, as well as gold and iron concentrates. The company produced 36,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate in the first half of 2025 and the plan for the year is to produce 66,000-70,000 tonnes, about the same as in 2024.
Nornickel has not disclosed gold production data in the period after 2021. Bystrinsky GOK was hit by U.S. sanctions in August 2024.
