The first commercial blasting signifying the commencement of the development of a new deposit – the Zarya Pipe, was done by PJSC ALROSA on June 10 at its Aikhal Mining and Processing Division.

The blasting set into motion the first stage of development which involves surface stripping to remove barren sedimentary rock overlying the ore body.

ALROSA said that the mine is scheduled to reach its design capacity of 1 million tons of ore per year by 2021; and is expected to have a mine life of 13 years.

“The construction of an open-pit mine on the deposit is a very important investment project,” said Igor Sobolev, ALROSA First Vice President – Executive Director.  “The start of mining operations at Zarya pipe will allow us to replace dwindling reserves at Komsomolsky open-pit mine.

With an initial estimated investment of RUB 9.8 billion, the development of the Zarya Pipe is one of ALROSA’s major investment projects.

“The development of Zarya will guarantee stable use of existing capacities and ensure total rough diamond recovery of 3.6 million carats throughout the mine development,” said ALROSA President Andrey Zharkov.

The Aikhal Mining and Processing Division, which was established in 1986,  has a 32% share of ALROSA’s total production. It had an output 2.68 million carats in Q1 2016.