Chinese developers come to lithium mine in Murmansk

The Chinese company will be a main partner in the development of the major lithium field located in the far northern Russian region. The company will take part in exploration of resources, development of technology, as well as production, the Russian license holder informs.

The Kolmozerskoye field is owned by Polar Lithium, a company controlled by Nornickel and Rosatom’s ore mining division, the Russian version of the Barents Observer reports.

“The MCC International knows how to project mine processing plants, it possesses its own ore enrichment and lithium production technology,” Nornickel informs on its Telegram channel.

The Chinese company will reportedly also take part in the development of battery production.

“The experienced Chinese partner will help us more quickly create a high-tech battery industry in Russia,” Nornickel reports.

According to the developers, the new mine and processing plant are planned to be ready for production in year 2030. It is to be able to annually process up to 2 million tons of ore and produce 45,000 tons of lithium hydroxide and carbonate.

Nornickel is running the major nickel and copper mines and metallurgical plants in and around Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula. The joint venture with Rosatom’s ore mining division was established in 2021.

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The Kolmozero is one of two lithium projects under development in the Kola Peninsula. The second project, the Polmostundra field, is located northeast of the town of Lovozero and is owned by companies TD Khalmek and KHMS.