Russian diamond mining company Alrosa, through its Almazy Anabara subsidiairy has purchased the Degdekan gold mine from Polyus for US$276m. Commencing production in 2028, at full capacity, the mine is expected to produce around 3.3 tonnes of gold annually, with an estimated life span that runs through to 2046, estimated at 100 tonnes. Both Alrosa and Polyus are subject to Western sanctions.
Photo credit: Envato Elements
Record high prices for gold (the price of gold rose 25% in the first half of 2016, its strongest performance in 35 years) has led to a record surge in H1 investment demand of 1,063.9t, which was 16% higher than the previous H1 high from 2009, as continued growth in Q2 2016 (+15%) brought total H1 gold demand to 2,335t - the second highest first half on record, according to the World Gold Council.