10:53 20.04.2026
First lithium ore extraction at Polmostundrovskoye deposit, Murmansk Region
© RIA Novosti / Kirill Braga
The Murmansk Region is the first region in Russia to resume lithium mining – a critical metal used in battery production, electronics, and the nuclear industry, Governor Andrei Chibis announced during his report at a United Russia party supporters’ forum.
The governor emphasized that once the lithium projects reached full capacity, they would help ensure import substitution for this strategic raw material, create export potential, making the country independent from foreign supplies. In addition, Russia would secure a position among the world’s top three countries in terms of lithium reserves.
“Developing lithium deposits is not just about extracting raw materials or launching new production facilities: it forms the foundation of the country’s long-term technological independence. The projects are aimed at import substitution and the development of domestic mineral resource base, and expected to generate over 400 high-paying jobs in the High Arctic and bring in approximately 5.5 billion rubles in tax revenues, with comprehensive government support provided to project initiators at all stages,” Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis said.
In his annual report, Chibis also highlighted the Lovozero Mining and Processing Plant as one of the most promising enterprises in Russia for the development of rare and rare earth metal production.
