Blagodatnoye

Blagodatnoye deposit was discovered in 1968. In 1975 its reserves were estimated at 40 tons of gold.

Larger scale mineralization was identified in 2000. Three ore bodies were discovered which extend for some 3.25 km and are 45.6 m deep on the average. The ores contain fine gold extractable by direct leaching. 

Exploration and assessment works carried out by Polyus’ exploration group in 2000-2004 in Olympiada area resulted in reassessment of earlier Blagodatnoe reserves (Northern area) and discovery of a new ore body in the Southern area, accounting for as much as 4/5 of total Blagodatnoe reserves.

In September 2005 Polyus Gold Mining Company successfully certified its evaluation of Blagodatnoe deposit with the State Reserves Committee. Blagodatnoe certified reserves now comprise 222.4 tonnes in pit outline (categories B+C1+C2, according to the Russian code) with average gold content of 2.4 g/t. In addition to this, 42 tons of off-balance C2 reserves in pit outline have been registered as well as 89.9 tons of off-balance C2 reserves outside the pit outline. Probable P1 category resources amounted to 117 tonnes.