PhosAgro, in collaboration with the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Kola Research Centre, has established a state-of-the-art R&D facility dedicated to advancing the processing of apatite-nepheline ores. The genesis of this center can be traced back to a strategic research cooperation agreement initiated in 2020 and fortified by a trilateral pact signed in June 2023 during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, involving Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
The primary objective of this R&D hub is to optimize the extraction of commercially valuable components from ores of diverse mineral compositions, while upholding the consistently high quality of phosphate rock. To achieve this, the center will undertake comprehensive scientific and applied research. It will also articulate research goals to engage specialized educational institutions, research, and industry bodies, aiming to tackle multifaceted challenges inherent in ore enrichment processes. Moreover, the center will conduct mineralogical studies, devise best practices for ore preparation, delineate ore reserves, and innovate eco-friendly flotation reagents.
The inauguration ceremony of this groundbreaking facility witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Elena Diaghileva, Deputy Governor of the Murmansk region, among others. Mr. Krasnikov underscored the pivotal role of collaboration between industry, academia, and leading corporations, emphasizing the significance of the new R&D center in fostering such alliances.
Deputy Governor Diaghileva hailed the inauguration as a milestone achievement, particularly highlighting PhosAgro’s substantial investment of approximately RUB 500 million in building and equipping the center with cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure and amenities.
Mikhail Rybnikov, CEO of PhosAgro, expressed confidence in the center’s ability to uphold product quality and sustain Russia’s food security. Plans are underway for the center to analyze a substantial number of ore samples annually and provide expert scientific support to the main industrial processes at PhosAgro’s production facilities.
Post-inauguration, participants had the opportunity to tour various facilities including the Kola Research Centre’s Museum and Exhibition Centre, the Kirovsky mine at the Kirovsk branch of Apatit, and other attractions in the region. Additionally, discussions were held in Apatity regarding the potential for further advancing the Kola Scientific Centre, underscoring a commitment to ongoing scientific progress and collaboration.
