The Murmansk Region plays a strategic role in ensuring the national security and stability of the Russian economy due to its unique mineral resource base. The region is the only Russian producer of apatite, nepheline, baddeleyite and loparite concentrates, as well as a major producer of nickel. In addition, Russia's only production of refined nickel and cobalt is located in the Kola Arctic. Of particular importance is the concentration of all-Russian lithium reserves in the Murmansk Region.
"All the world powers are fighting for the Arctic. The main reasons for this struggle are the reserves of hydrocarbons and rare earth metals, the prospects for a new transport route, as well as military security issues. Our region is distinguished by a large number of these valuable resources," said Governor Andrey Chibis during a report to the Murmansk Regional Duma.
A significant part of the lithium reserves ready for development are concentrated in the rare earth deposits of the Murmansk region, more than 50% of the total Russian reserves. Promising projects aimed at strengthening the country's technological sovereignty are being implemented in the region.
One of the key projects is the development of the Kolmozersky deposit by Polar Lithium LLC. This is the largest and most promising lithium ore deposit in the country: according to preliminary estimates, it contains about 24% of Russian reserves. Based on the results of their development, the Russian Federation can enter the top three world leaders. In February 2023, Polar Lithium LLC received the right to use the Kolmozersky deposit following an auction. The company plans to build and commission a mine and a mining and processing plant with a capacity of 2 million tons of ore per year by 2030. In addition, the possibility of creating a chemical and metallurgical plant at one of the industrial sites in the Murmansk region with a capacity of 45,000 tons per year of lithium products is being considered. The Polmostundrovskoye and Voronyetundrovskoye fields are also under development.
Lovozersky GOK LLC produces and processes unique loparite ores, producing loparite concentrate, a raw material for the production of rare earth products. A project of technological re-equipment of the Lovozersky deposit of rare earth metals is planned to be implemented. The aim of the project is to launch the production of separated rare earth metal oxides, which will create a cooperative chain to ensure the raw material and technological sovereignty of the industry.
/ Ministry of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region /