. April

Russia has developed a technology to produce pure hafnium and zirconium

Employees of the Giredmet Institute (part of the Chemical Technology Cluster of Rosatom's Science Division) have developed an import-substituting technology for producing pure metals - zirconium and hafnium. The innovative method makes it possible to produce metal powders with a particle size that makes them a raw material for powder metallurgy and additive technologies. “Now, certain restrictions are imposed on the import of zirconium and hafnium to Russia,” explained Sergey Melnikov, scientific ...
29 April 2025., 10:50   comment

Rhenium extraction from Kuril volcano gas may start in 24 months

Pilot-scale extraction of rhenium and other rare metals for subsequent refinement and separation from concentrate may begin in Russia within two years at the world’s only commercial rhenium deposit — the Kudryavy Volcano on Iturup Island (Kuril Islands), one of investors in the Russian Rhenium project Maxim Korobov said. "The project is currently in the research and development phase, which has intensified since 2015. We hold several patents based on the selected technologies and our findings, ...
17 April 2025., 10:08   comment

Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic: Russia can offset up to 7% of global lithium deficit

According to forecasts, the global market could face a lithium shortage of approximately 1.3 million tons and a rare-earth metals deficit of 66,000 tons by 2040. Lithium is critical for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. In a report by Alexey Chekunkov, Head of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, Russia’s domestic production development could offset up to 7% of the global lithium deficit (around 91,000 tons). Additionally, ...
15 April 2025., 14:30   comment

Lithium and tantalum production plant design launched in Murmansk Region

JSC "Arkmineral – Resource" in the Murmansk Region is developing the Afrikanda rare-earth metals deposit, has begun designing a processing plant. Construction of the complex, capable of processing approximately one million tons of ore annually, is set to begin in 2026–2027, according to a TASS report citing the company’s General Director Andrey Trenin. He emphasized that key technical solutions for the plant are already finalized. This year, the company plans to register the reserves on the ...
15 April 2025., 12:54   comment

Lithium and tantalum production plant design launched in the Murmansk Region

JSC "Arkmineral – Resource" in the Murmansk Region is developing the Afrikanda rare-earth metals deposit, has begun designing a processing plant. Construction of the complex, capable of processing approximately one million tons of ore annually, is set to begin in 2026–2027, according to a TASS report citing the company’s General Director Andrey Trenin. He emphasized that key technical solutions for the plant are already finalized. This year, the company plans to register the reserves on the ...
15 April 2025., 12:54   comment

Pushilin: DNR and Rosnedra preparing mechanism for lithium deposit development

The authorities of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR), together with Russia’s Federal Agency for Mineral Resources (Rosnedra), are developing a mechanism to transfer the Shevchenkivske lithium deposit in the DNR—liberated by Russian forces—for development, DNR head Denis Pushilin told TASS. "The Shevchenkivske lithium deposit, whose territory was liberated by Russian units, is still too close to the frontline to begin work. <...> Together with Rosnedra, we are working out a mechanism to transfer ...
14 April 2025., 13:43   comment

SMZ: Localizing rare-earth metals production for technological independence

Solikamsk Magnesium Plant (SMZ, part of the mining division of State Corporation Rosatom, managed by JSC Rosatom Nedra) has unveiled a strategy to develop its own technological platform for separating rare-earth metals (REMs). - “To ensure Russia’s strategic resource sovereignty, it is essential not only to possess our own separation technology but also to localize the production of all necessary components,” stated Alexander Stepanov, Director of Investments and Development at SMZ. Mr. Stepanov ...
04 February 2025., 10:19   comment

The mutual interest of Russian and American businesses in joint projects represents an initial step toward improving relations between the two countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"This [mutual interest of Russian and American companies] is merely the initial stage following a period in which our relations reached their lowest point. Substantial efforts will be required to rectify the situation," Peskov stated. He added that US companies have shown interest in participating in joint projects for the extraction of rare earth metals, but no specific details have emerged thus far. "Some of them [American companies] have expressed interest. There are no specifics at this ...
04 January 2025., 10:11   comment

The mutual interest of Russian and American businesses in joint projects represents an initial step toward improving relations between the two countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"This [mutual interest of Russian and American companies] is merely the initial stage following a period in which our relations reached their lowest point. Substantial efforts will be required to rectify the situation," Peskov stated. He added that US companies have shown interest in participating in joint projects for the extraction of rare earth metals, but no specific details have emerged thus far. "Some of them [American companies] have expressed interest. There are no specifics at this ...
04 January 2025., 10:11   comment