Economic assessment of efficiency to develop the Tastyg spodumene pegmatite deposit in Tyva

Abstract

The Republic of Tyva is located in the border zone of the Siberian Federal District, but despite this, the region's nearborder location has little impact on its economic development. By removing its relative transport isolation not only with the cross-border territories, but also with the neighbouring Russian regions, the republic would be able to unlock its potential for economic development, including the use of its natural resources. Extending the Kuragino-Kyzyl railway project to the Mongolian border is one of the main targets in creation of the backbone infrastructure facilities within the West-East international transport corridor of the Republic of Tuva's individual social and economic development programme. In order to assess the viability of developing some of the deposits in Tyva, which are located at the border with Mongolia, a feasibility study was performed to assess the development of the Tastyg spodumene pegmatite deposit. Preliminary calculations show that the capital investments of RUB 4,200 million (as of 2021) in the development of the Tastyg spodumene pegmatite deposit will be recoverable. In addition, the annual budget allocations are estimated to reach RUB 710 million. The social effects of this project include the construction of a motor road and a power transmission line to the remotely located district of Tere-Khol, which is currently one of the hardtoreach areas of the Republic.