MINEX Forum

Tag: mining expansion

  • Zijin RG Gold Unveils New Gold Processing Plant Project in Akmola Region

    Zijin RG Gold Unveils New Gold Processing Plant Project in Akmola Region

    Zijin RG Gold has announced plans for a new gold processing plant at the Raygorodok deposit located in the Burabay District of Akmola Region, Kazakhstan. The proposed facility will have a processing capacity of 10 million tonnes of ore annually, significantly enhancing the overall mining and processing capabilities of the site. Upon completion, the total capacity of the production complex at Raygorodok will reach 16 million tonnes per year.

    The announcement follows the successful commissioning of an initial processing plant in 2022, which operates at a capacity of 6.5 million tonnes per year. This earlier project has allowed Zijin RG Gold to develop essential production and engineering expertise, setting the stage for the new plant’s construction and operation.

    The new processing facility is expected to yield an additional 7 tonnes of gold in doré alloy each year, bringing the total annual gold production from the complex to over 12 tonnes. This increase in output is anticipated to bolster the company’s position in the gold mining sector and contribute positively to the local economy.

    The project was officially introduced during a ceremonial capsule-laying event at the future plant site, marking a significant milestone for Zijin RG Gold. The company currently employs more than 1,800 individuals, with 51% of its workforce being residents of the Akmola Region. The expansion is expected to create additional job opportunities, further supporting the local community and economy.

  • Uzbekistan Surpasses Uranium Production Targets and Accelerates Sector Expansion

    Uzbekistan Surpasses Uranium Production Targets and Accelerates Sector Expansion

    Uzbekistan has significantly exceeded its previously announced uranium production targets and plans to continue expanding the sector in the coming years, according to information cited by inbusiness.kz from Reuters.

    In 2025, the country increased uranium output to 7000 metric tons, well above earlier government projections. The disclosure was made by the presidential press service, which also said Uzbekistan intends to begin developing four new uranium deposits within the year.

    An official report, published for the first time with detailed production data, estimates Uzbekistan’s total uranium reserves at 139000 tons. These figures contrast sharply with earlier expectations from the national atomic energy agency, which had forecast production of just over 4200 tons for 2025.

    As part of its longer-term development strategy, Uzbekistan aims to raise annual uranium production to 7200 tons by 2030. Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology Ural Yusupov told state television that one project, with an estimated investment of $150 million, could start production as early as July this year.

  • Adriatic Metals Announces $80M Equity Raising to Expand Vares Silver Operation

    Adriatic Metals Announces $80M Equity Raising to Expand Vares Silver Operation

    Adriatic Metals has announced a $80 million equity raising to support the expansion of its Vares Silver operation in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The company aims to strengthen its financial flexibility and accelerate growththrough a two-tranche institutional placement.

    The funds will be used to expand the processing plant and provide working capital. The equity raising is being facilitated by Canaccord Genuity, Stifel Nicolaus Europe, and RBC Europe, who are acting as joint lead managers.

    CEO Laura Tyler emphasized the importance of the capital injection, stating, “This equity raising will allow us to fast track the plant expansion and provide the financial flexibility needed for the final stages of ramping up to commercial production.”

    In its latest operational update, Adriatic Metals reported that ramp-up at the Vares Silver Operation is progressing, with 1,335koz silver equivalent produced in 2024. Commercial production is expected to begin in the first quarter, alongside a 63% increase in processing capacity to 1.3Mtpa.

    Orders for long-lead equipment are set to commence in the first quarter following the completion of an expansion study. The expansion is expected to establish Vares as one of the world’s largest primary silver producers, reinforcing Adriatic Metals’ position as a major player in the global mining industry.

  • KAZ Minerals Extends Artemyevsky Mine Operations Until 2034

    KAZ Minerals Extends Artemyevsky Mine Operations Until 2034

    KAZ Minerals has announced the extension of operations at the Artemyevsky Mine, initially launched 19 years ago, until 2034. The second phase of the mine’s development, which involved an investment of approximately $500 million, was revealed through the company’s Telegram channel. The Artemyevsky Mine produces 1.2 million tons of polymetallic ores annually, and to maintain production capacity, the company plans to explore and develop new mining horizons.

    Ildur Dautov, head of Vostoktsvetmet LLP, highlighted that although this is an expansion project, its scale and complexity are comparable to building a new mine. “By extending the life of the mine, we are ensuring social stability in the region,” Dautov stated.

    Geological exploration at the site began in 2012, and by 2018, the company had recalculated the reserves and developed a new mining project. As part of the second phase of the mine’s expansion, specialists have completed 18 kilometers of mine workings, upgraded the main ventilation system, and replaced key equipment. Additionally, they built a new air heating system, waste treatment facilities, and a tailings storage facility in the disused Nikolaevsky quarry.

    A new 742-meter air-supply shaft, equipped with an elevator and access points at two levels, has also been constructed. KAZ Minerals has added other infrastructure, including an explosives warehouse and a three-conveyor transport system. Further plans include the installation of a repair facility for equipment and other auxiliary structures.