Acron Group fast tracks construction of Talitsky potash mine in Russia

Acron Group said that it is expediting the construction of the Talitsky potash mine in Perm Krai in Russia, while increasing the capital investments for this year and the next year for the project from $60 million to $222 million.

The Russian mineral fertilizer producer said that it is currently reinforcing and finishing shafts at the potash project.

According to Acron Group, the construction of a motorway is on the verge of being wrapped up. On the other hand, construction has begun on the Ural 220/10/6 kV main step-down substation.

The mineral fertilizer producer said that it is also undertaking tenders to choose the main equipment suppliers and contractors for constructing the facilities, surface complex, and external infrastructure facilities of the Talitsky potash mine.

The engineering and design solutions for the mine are said to provide for further expansion of its capacity from 2mtpa to 2.6mtpa of potash.

The Talitsky potash project is said to have the backing of the Russian government as its implementation will boost the regional economy. The support includes an investment protection and promotion agreement, a corporate competitiveness program, and a special investment contract, which have all been signed by the company.

Alexander Popov — Acron Group board of directors chairman said: “In the current circumstances, we believe it is possible to accelerate construction to obtain the first batch of the product in 2025.

“Prior to the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to dramatically improve the Project’s risk profile by finalizing the sinking of the shafts. Now, we can conduct construction operations both underground and on the surface at the same time.

“The Project’s budget has been clarified. Remaining investments are estimated at USD 1.3 billion. Of this amount, approximately USD 700 million will be spent before the first batch of potash is produced.”