In a strategic move to diversify its portfolio, Russian diamond giant Alrosa has begun exploring the potential for gold extraction at its Mirny mining operations in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The company recently received approval from federal authorities to conduct exploration aimed at recovering gold as a by-product from diamond-bearing sands and tailings — a first for its flagship Mirny division.
This initiative comes amid continued challenges in the global diamond market, prompting Alrosa to seek new revenue streams within its existing mining infrastructure. The exploration program will focus on identifying economically viable concentrations of gold within the sediments processed during diamond recovery. If successful, the plan could enable Alrosa to capitalize on previously untapped mineral resources while minimizing additional environmental or capital costs.
Industry experts view this development as a strategic diversification that could strengthen Alrosa’s resilience against market volatility. Similar by-product recovery programs are already underway at the company’s Gornoye and Irelyakh deposits, where initial findings have shown promising results.
The Mirny exploration marks a notable shift in Alrosa’s approach — from being solely a diamond miner to potentially evolving into a multi-commodity producer. While the project is still in its exploratory phase, the move signals a broader trend among mining companies to extract maximum value from their existing operations and resources.
If gold recovery proves commercially viable, it could redefine the economic landscape of Yakutia’s legendary diamond fields and open a new chapter in Alrosa’s storied mining legacy.
