In 2008, Acron subsidiary Verkhnekamsk Potash Company (VPC) obtained a licence to develop the Talitsky area of the Verkhnekamsk potash deposit in the Perm Krai (Licence PEM 14465 TE).
VPC is developing the licence area in accordance with the timelines of the licence agreement. Designing and geological and geophysical surveying are key priorities at this stage. JSC Galurgia (Perm) was chosen as chief designer for its considerable expertise in salts mining design and research, including potassium salts, as well as its highly professional designers and researchers, extensive knowledge of the deposit’s geology, development and mining conditions, and its presence in the region (Berezniki branch).
Galurgia’s project for development of the Talitsky area successfully passed state review and was approved by local authorities.
VPC has established a branch in Perm for day-to-day management. The company has also created a department in Berezniki with a staff of technical experts.
Since April 2009, geological surveying has been performed at the licence area. Parallel to drilling, the company is performing geophysical surveys and laboratory studies of core samples (physical and mechanical properties, chemical analysis, and study of ore preparation characteristics), developing the initial data for a feasibility study on the area’s conditions, and preparing its report.
Currently, Galurgy is engaged in a pre-design solutions study (original data and regulatory documentation) required to start designing the mine and processing plant at the Talitsky area. The plot for the mine site was chosen in cooperation with the Berezniki and Usolye district authorities.
All these efforts are in line with the time schedule specified in the licence agreement. The Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency agreed to amend the timelines at VPC’s request, following a thorough analysis of geological survey findings, which revealed the need to continue research and receive the expert report. As a result, new construction deadlines were set. Mine commissioning is postponed until October 2016 (two years and four months behind the original schedule), and design capacity will be reached in June 2018 (two years behind the original schedule).