#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. According to Nikolay Pohilenko, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a geologist, a new industrial area comparable to Norilsk could emerge in the Arctic if the Tomtor rare earth metals deposit and the Popigai impact diamond deposit are developed.
In an interview with the publication Science in Siberia, Pohilenko emphasized that rare and rare earth metals (RREMs) are becoming increasingly valuable globally as green energy, electric transportation, drones, and extensive digitalization continue to advance. Additionally, rare earths are being used more frequently in traditional industries.
“International experts predict a significant rise in demand for RREMs (as well as lithium, copper, and other elements) from 2020 to 2050 across a wide range of categories”, he noted.
Currently, China is the largest producer of RREMs, controlling up to 60 percent of global production and about 80 percent of raw material processing, while Russia holds only a two percent share of this market.
Pohilenko explained that Russia imports niobium ferroalloy – a vital component for steel production – from Brazil. However, the Tomtor deposit in northwestern Yakutia contains ores with niobium concentrations three times higher than those found in Brazil. Moreover, Tomtor is unique because it hosts a complete set of RREMs, and the ore body is located at a remarkably shallow depth of just 10 to 30 meters. So far, only one-sixth of the entire deposit has been thoroughly studied.
“A new industrial area similar to Norilsk could be developed in the Arctic. This would include deposits from at least Tomtor and Popigai (which has massive reserves of impact diamonds – natural nanostructured diamond material with unique technological properties), transportation to the port of Hatanga with transshipment in Dudinka, and subsequent production in the Krasnoyarsk region”, the academician stated.
He also mentioned that the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has already developed methods for producing pure materials applicable in industry. Additionally, energy for production could be supplied by two ground-based nuclear power plant units located in Hatanga.
Follow us on Telegram, VKontakte.
Text: Victor Borodin, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
