Additional drafts were drawn up for the projects of geological exploration, exploration of “Kalumnoye” and prospecting and appraisal works of “Malougdokitsky” to change the schedule plans. Positive expert conclusions were obtained from Rosgeolexpertiza.

The following works on optimisation of technological regimes were carried out to study the technological processing of synnyritic ore.

1. conditions of charge formation for the sintering stage were determined, which allow to achieve extraction of target components into solution not less than 80% (for Al₂0₃), not less than 86% (for K₂0) during leaching of the obtained sinter.
2. A rotary kiln was purchased for testing of charge sintering modes and obtaining the required volume of sinter for further scaling of technological processes.
3. In order to test the risks of technology scaling, a pilot process line was installed, including equipment for testing all stages of the technological process: sintering, desintering, carbonisation, evaporation of potash solutions.
4. In the period June-July 2022, work was carried out on the pilot plant to test the process solutions. The result confirmed the scalability of the process, parameters of extraction of target elements into solution and the previously adopted as a basis regime of the main technological stages.
5. Testing of the technology allowed to obtain the following samples of commercial products planned for production:

– alumina corresponding to state standard 30558-2017, grade G-00. Application – the main raw material for production of metallic aluminium;

– Potassium carbonate corresponding to state standard 10690-73 “Potassium carbonate technical”, (1st grade) and state standard 4221-76 “Potassium carbonate”, qualification “h”. Application – mineral fertilisers, precursor for production of any potash fertilisers;

– potassium sulphate, corresponding to state standard 4145-74, grade “h”. This type of fertiliser in Russia is used primarily for chlorine-sensitive crops (potatoes, flax, grapes, citrus fruits, etc.).

pictures show the operation of the plant

The project of prospecting and appraisal works has been prepared, 17.02.2022 the positive conclusion of Rosgeoexpertiza was received.

Exploration project for the Kalyumnoye deposit was drawn up, and a favourable conclusion of the Rosgeolexpertiza was received on 28.03.2022.

The Company started work under the approved projects.

The following temporary exploration conditions have been approved:

1.High-potassium aluminosilicate rocks of the first phase of intrusive complex of the Middle-Upper Paleozoic age are to be considered as mineral resources;

2.The on-board content of conditional potassium oxide in the sample is 26%;

3. Conversion coefficient of Al2O3 (%) to conditional K2O (%) – 0.47;
4. Minimum vertical thickness of the ore interval – 5m;
5. Maximum vertical thickness of waste rock and substandard ore intervals included in the calculation of reserves – 5m;
6. Quality of commercial products after processing shall comply with the following requirements: potassium sulphate – purity not less than 94%, metallurgical alumina – state standard 30558-2017 “Metallurgical alumina. Technical conditions”;
7. The content of natural radionuclides mineral raw materials shall meet the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological rules 2.6.1.2800-10 for materials of the 1st class;
8. The reserves within the boundaries of the design contour of the open pit, economically justified in the feasibility study, shall be classified as balance reserves.

The subsoil area “Kalyumnoye” was approved as the “Kalyumnoye” deposit. This is a great achievement for the company, all its employees, and all contractors involved in the project. An achievement for the industry on the scale of the country and the Republic of Buryatia.

All laboratory tests on routine, furrow and core samples have been completed. No samples have been lost during the entire project. The larger data set was obtained from Russian Research Institute of Mineral Raw Materials, the smaller one from Republican Analytical Center. External laboratory control was carried out on the data arrays by the laboratories. All received data are correct and reliable for the final calculation of reserves.

The company’s employees together with IMR LTD prepared the final report for submission to the State Commission on Reserves (FGBU GKZ).

The final, third stage of drilling started in September. 3323 lm. All works are in accordance with the approved programme, with the whole complex of related works.

All selected samples were removed from the site and transported to St. Petersburg for sample preparation and subsequent transfer to the laboratory. Gradually the results obtained show excellent convergence with the field XRF measurements.

The company also carried out two audits by State Commission on Reserves experts. A preliminary geological report with reserves calculation and a preliminary technological report. The experts familiarised themselves with all materials and issued two positive expert opinions for the preparation of the final report.

All physical volumes of geological exploration works were completed on time and to the last centimetre. A friendly and efficient team of mechanisers, drivers, mine workers, geologists, supply staff was formed during the field work.

On the photo are exploration ditches, work and machinery on the site. Core storage.

This year we plan to complete all mining operations, link all drill profiles (exploration ditches) with a main ditch. Several ditches are on the flanks. Geological routes are planned to be more linking and thematic. Since practically the whole licence area is covered by a network of observation points for drawing up a 1:10000 map. It was decided to prepare another map, a 1:5000 geological plan-scheme of the central area of the licence, the area of direct work.

The photos show the company’s Baikal Office in Nizhneangarsk.

The methodology of field work was expanded, XRF application was extended to exploration trenches (for greater reliability of operational calculation of reserves in the model, pending laboratory data).  A 32km² low-altitude aeromagnetic survey was carried out (combined with 2018 data – 40km²). The instrumental survey covered most of the area planned for resource estimation.

10484.4 lm of exploration trenches were documented and sampled.

A total of 2489 furrow samples were collected. The total weight of samples amounted to 42872 kg. They were delivered to St. Petersburg.

171 lkm of geological routes for geologic mapping were traversed.

Toward the end of the season drilling works resumed, the second stage of drilling. We drilled 23 boreholes with a total meterage of 9084 lm., conducted a complex of GIS, took 2407 core samples.

In the photos: Standard furrow, sample loading, drilling rig in operation at the well.