Irgiredmet
Irgiredmet was previously known as the Irkutsk Research Institute of precious and rare metals – one of the largest and one of the most authoritative institutes of the gold-prospecting branch of geology in Russia. From a small steel smelting laboratory, created in 1871, it grew into a dynamically developed institute, which annually carries out more than 150 studies and projects, including research into new deposits.
The institute was acquired by the Group in 2006. Its work covers a wide spectrum; including the geological estimation of ore bodies, project design and engineering, the delivery of equipment, the development of new technology for the extraction of precious metals. In addition the institute carries out its own scientific research, provides scientific, technical and engineering services, project development, tests equipment and chemical reagents, provides consultations, tests new processes and updates and implements new, innovative technologies.
Within the last 5 years Irgiredmet has developed more than 25 patents in the fields of mining, metallurgy and environmental protection. In particular, the institute has developed and is concluding work on ionic and carbon absorption for the Kuranakh ore body, heap leach technology, and flotation and gravitational separation. This and other similar work has helped the Group to develop and commission its greenfield projects from scratch.
Recently Irgiredmet and PHM Engineering worked together to create an x-ray radiometric separation facility for the extraction gold-bearing ore.
The institute houses 10 specialized technological laboratories, a design division, an experimental-enrichment factory, an analytical centre, a patent division, an information department and a dedicated department for the processing of secondary precious metals.
Irgiredmet currently employs 250 highly skilled specialist staff, including 6 doctors and 27 PhD holders.
