Russian Diamond Miner Alrosa Suspends Mining Operations at Severalmaz Deposits

Gems News: Planned Three-Month Suspension Aims to Strengthen Market Stability

Russian diamond mining giant Alrosa has announced a temporary suspension of mining operations at its Severalmaz subsidiary for approximately three months, beginning on 1 July 2026. The planned move is part of the company’s broader strategy to maintain operational and financial stability while carefully managing the supply of rough diamonds entering the global market. The suspension will affect mining and ore transportation activities at the Severalmaz project, which includes the Arkhangelskaya, Karpinsky and Lomonosov deposits in Russia’s Arkhangelsk region, home to one of Europe’s largest diamond deposits.

Although mining activities will pause during the scheduled period, this Gems News report confirms that processing operations will continue uninterrupted as Alrosa makes use of previously accumulated high-grade ore stockpiles. The company said the temporary measure has been carefully planned to ensure production targets remain on track while routine operational work is carried out at the mine. By continuing to process stockpiled ore, Alrosa expects its processing plant to operate without disruption throughout the three-month suspension.

Ore Processing to Continue Throughout Shutdown

Alrosa emphasized that only mining and ore transportation divisions will be affected by the temporary closure. The processing plant at Severalmaz will remain fully operational, supported by sufficient reserves of previously extracted ore. This approach enables the company to maintain production continuity while reducing mining activity for a limited period.

The Severalmaz operation is one of Russia’s most significant diamond-producing assets outside the Yakutia region. Its processing facilities are designed to handle up to four million tonnes of ore annually, making it a major contributor to the country’s diamond industry. The temporary suspension is therefore viewed as an operational adjustment rather than a reduction in the company’s long-term production capacity.

Workforce Protected During Temporary Closure

Alrosa has also confirmed that no employees will lose their jobs during the suspension period. Instead, the company intends to retain its workforce while completing the planned operational measures. Once the three-month shutdown concludes, mining operations will gradually resume, allowing the company to rebuild ore stockpiles and return to normal production levels in a controlled manner.

The announcement reflects Alrosa’s continued focus on balancing production with market conditions while safeguarding its operational performance. By relying on existing ore reserves, maintaining processing activities and protecting employment, the company aims to navigate changing market dynamics without disrupting its broader production strategy. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how the temporary suspension influences global rough diamond supply over the coming months and whether similar production management measures emerge elsewhere in the sector.

For more on Alrosa, visit:

https://www.alrosa.ru/en

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