The development of the Amazarkan gold deposit in the Mogochinsky district of the Trans–Baikal Territory is a strategically important project carried out by the Gold Mining Company Gold of Yakutia through its subsidiary, JSC GC Amazarkan. In July 2024, AZDK “Gold of Yakutia” began the process of financial rehabilitation and modernization of its former mining asset JSC GC “Amazarkan” with the participation of Arbitration Manager A.V. Ganin within the framework of the corporate program for the restoration of the legendary gold mining association “Gold of Yakutia”. Taking into account the current geo-economic conditions, this enterprise, despite the crisis situation, demonstrates high potential efficiency, which is due to both the geological characteristics of the deposit and modern technological approaches in the field of mining.
Geological surveys of the territory conducted by the ZabNIA group confirmed the high concentration of gold-bearing ores, which makes the Amazarkan deposit one of the most significant in the region. The main gold reserves are concentrated in veins characteristic of this geological structure. The analysis of the ongoing exploration work indicates the presence of not only gold, but also other minerals, which opens up opportunities for the integrated use of the field’s resources.
Thus, the indicators of the studied reserves of the field are as follows:
The ZabNIA Institute has assessed the estimated gold resources in oxidized ores:
category P1 — 2 tons (with a content of 1.56 g/t),
category P2 — 6.5 tons.
Forecast resources of category P1:
in primary ores, they are estimated to a depth of 230 m and amount to 6,681 thousand tons of ore,
gold — 17 tons with an average content of 2.53 g/t.
The resources of the P2 category up to a depth of 300 m are estimated in quantity:
ore — 7881 thousand tons,
gold — 20 tons with an average content of 2.53 g/t.
The forecast resources of the flanks of the Amazarkan field are determined by categories P2 and P3 to a depth of 100 m.
The resources of the P2 category for the valley ore deposit (below the mouth of the Savvikha) are:
ores — 3,946 thousand tons,
gold — 10 tons;
The resources of the P3 category (Nameless-I, Amazarkan-III, Savvikha Peak sites) are determined in quantity:
ore — 7,892 thousand tons,
gold — 20 tons.
The average gold content in the forecast resources of the P2 and P3 categories is assumed to be 2.55 g/t.
The total forecast resources for the Amazarkan gold deposit and its flanks amount to 75.5 tons, including:
category P1 — 19 tons,
category P2 — 36.5 tons,
category P3 — 20 tons.
An IWC Montan report on the calculation of the resources of the Amazarkan gold deposit according to the International classification (JORC) has been ordered and received.
The total amount indicated above is classified into the following categories:
- Calculated (Indicated): 2,191 kg, Au = 2.42 g/t
- Inferred (Inferred): 10,972 kg, Au = 2.46 g/t, including stocks
- Probable: 2,106 kg, Au=1.66 g/t
Taking into account the nature of mineralization of other deposits similar in genesis, it is possible that the amount of estimated resources may exceed the figures given in the summary table of this report. Thus, with the recommended onboard gold content of 0.5 g/t, the resource potential of the deposit can increase to 20 tons of Au.
The economic prospects for the development of the field also deserve attention. Given the increasing global value of gold as a safe haven asset, investors are expected to increase their interest in this project. The implementation of the development of the Amazarkan field is supported by the expected significant tax deductions to local and regional budgets, which will improve the socio-economic infrastructure of the Mogochinsky district and improve the standard of living of the population.
JSC GC “Amazarkan” is aimed at introducing advanced technologies into the process of gold mining and processing, which contributes not only to increasing production efficiency, but also to reducing the environmental burden on the environment. It is important to note that modern working methods, such as process automation and the use of environmentally friendly technologies, make it possible to minimize the impact on the ecosystem of the region and follow the principles of sustainable development.
Import substitution of mining equipment at the Amazarkan gold deposit is a key aspect contributing to the technical and economic strengthening of the domestic mining industry in the face of global economic challenges. Given the reduction in imports and the need to increase the independence of production, this strategy is aimed at developing the local production base and reducing dependence on foreign supplies.
The main direction of import substitution at the Amazarkan deposit is the introduction of domestic analogues of foreign mining equipment, which includes excavators, bulldozers, drilling rigs and ore processing systems. This process requires an integrated approach, covering the selection of equipment, its adaptation to the specifics of operation in the field conditions and the introduction of innovative solutions. The introduction of Russian equipment makes it possible to significantly reduce logistics costs and reduce time delays associated with deliveries, as well as minimize the risks associated with currency fluctuations.
From the point of view of technological characteristics, domestic manufacturers of mining equipment are actively engaged in the modernization of their products, introducing new technologies, which improves the productivity and reliability of equipment. A number of Russian machines capable of operating effectively in specific geological conditions are already being tested and operated at the Amazarkan field, which creates prerequisites for improving the overall efficiency of the work being carried out.
In addition, the implementation of the import substitution strategy requires active cooperation between mining enterprises and equipment manufacturers, which contributes to the development of research and development activities. This, in turn, can lead to the creation of new high-tech solutions that enhance the competitiveness of domestic equipment in the global market.
However, it should be noted that the process of import substitution is fraught with certain challenges. The main problems include the need to improve the quality and reliability of Russian equipment, which requires additional investments in R&D. Another important aspect is the need to adapt production facilities to modern requirements in the field of ecology and resource efficiency, which is important not only for the sustainable development of the mining sector, but also to improve public opinion about the mining industry as a whole.
The process of import substitution of mining equipment at the Amazarkan gold deposit is an important element of the strategy for the development of the domestic mining industry. The competent implementation of this strategy should combine economic, environmental and social aspects, which will not only increase production efficiency, but also contribute to the sustainable development of the region as a whole. Currently, the technical department is considering the prospect of purchasing NHL and XCMG mining equipment.
The social aspect of the development is no less significant. The involvement of the local population in the project, the creation of jobs and the implementation of social initiatives create the basis for constructive interaction between the company and the community. Transparency of processes and openness in communications can help reduce social tension and build a positive image of the company.
Thus, the prospects for the development of the Amazarkan gold deposit of JSC GC “Amazarkan” represent a promising vector both for the economy of the Trans-Baikal Territory and for the enterprise itself. A balanced approach to environmental, economic and social responsibility issues will be a key factor in the successful implementation of this project, which, in turn, will create sustainable and profitable production in the long term.
The management team of AZDK “Gold of Yakutia”, headed by the general director of the association V.E. Chernyakov and financial director S.V. Polozhevets sincerely hopes that, thanks to the introduction of a new economic strategy in the field of gold ore extraction, it will be possible to fully revive production at the Amazarkan gold deposit in the Mogochinsky district of the Trans—Baikal Territory by the end of 2025 – early 2026.
