Irkutsk Oblast has presented 11 deposits of rare earth, rare, and non-ferrous metals for possible inclusion in the Angara-Yenisei cluster for deep processing of critical metals. This was announced by the region's governor, Igor Kobzev, at the international forum "Greater Siberia and the Arctic."
According to the head of the region, Irkutsk Oblast is actively discussing the terms of joining the project, which already unites the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Khakassia, and Tuva.
Recently, we held a meeting under the leadership of Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Krasnoyarsk. We also proposed 11 deposits of rare earth, rare, and non-ferrous metals. We are already discussing whether it is possible to join this cluster.
He emphasized that the region has already requested all the necessary documents and hopes to become the fourth participant in the large-scale initiative.
I think that Irkutsk Oblast is the fourth region that will, in principle, create the conditions, including for obtaining those highly processed products that we are buying abroad today.
The first facilities of the cluster for deep processing of critical metals in the Angara-Yenisei macroregion are expected to be launched in 2027.
The cluster project involves combining the scientific and technological base and raw material sources of Eastern Siberia, as well as creating production facilities for the deep processing of rare earth elements in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Khakassia.
