Irkutsk Region

In 2004 ore and placer deposits in Irkutsk  region developed by Polyus Group’s divisions Lenzoloto and LZRK (Irkutsk business unit) respectively yielded over than 8 tons (258 K oz) of gold. Placer deposits accounted for most of gold output, since they have been developed for more than 150 years now, while rock gold production is novel for that area.

In Irkutsk region Polyus Group produces gold by open pit mining, dredging and underground mining, though the last method accounts for as little as than 2.5% from total output. Dredging is the most productive and economically efficient for developing placer deposits. So far rock gold is only produced at Zapadnoye mine with maximum capacity of 800,000 tons of ore per annum.

Other ore deposits including Verninskoye, Pervenets, Chertovo Koryto and Mukodek are undergoing exploration and prospecting.