Russian authorities approve phase one of Veduga underground gold mine

KRASNOYARSK. Sept 9 (Interfax) - The project documentation for the first phase of the construction of an underground mine at the Veduga hardrock gold deposit in Krasnoyarsk Territory has been approved by state expert review office Glavgosexpertiza, the agency said in a press release.

"Under the project, production and auxiliary facilities will be located at the site of the mine, including ventilation and power equipment, fire pump station with water tanks, as well as internal road, administrative building with dispatcher station, amenities module and other facilities, and utilities to ensure the safe operation of the underground gold mining complex," the release said.

The first phase of the project involves building a mine to extract gold ore at a depth of up to 305 meters, it said. Excavation and stripping work will total about 293,160 cubic meters.

The project to develop the Veduga gold deposit, which is located in the Severo-Yeniseisky district of Krasnoyarsk Territory, 35 km from the village of Bryanka, calls for opening a processing plant, building a skip shaft and underground infrastructure. It was reported earlier that the processing plant is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.

The operator of the project is gold miner Polymetal, although with a 49.99% stake it holds less than a controlling interest.