Alrosa is securing the future of its Aykhal mine in northeastern Russia, with plans to keep it operational until 2044. One of the world’s largest diamond producers, the Aykhal mine yielded over 8 million carats in 2020 and 2021, according to company data.

The state-owned mining giant has embarked on the fourth phase of its underground expansion at Aykhal, which shifted from open-pit to underground operations in 2005. The expansion will ensure a steady annual output of 500,000 tonnes of ore from the mine, which encompasses the Jubilee, Aykhal, Komsomolskaya, and Zaria pipes.

Evgeny Denisov, director of the Aykhal Mining and Processing Division, highlighted to ECOticias, an environmental news outlet, that the project is particularly cost-effective, requiring minimal new infrastructure or equipment upgrades.

Despite being under sanctions from the G7 nations due to Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Alrosa continues to push forward with its ambitious plans for the Aykhal mine.