PJSC Polyus said Dec. 4 that it completed the first pour of gold doré at its Natalka property in Russia during the ongoing hot commissioning of the Natalka mill.

The full processing facility is undergoing consecutive 24-hour trial runs as part of precommissioning efforts, with the full ramp-up expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Following the ramp-up, Polyus anticipates annual production of 420,000 to 470,000 ounces for the duration of the mine life, which will help the company achieve its goal of increasing overall gold production to approximately 2.8 million ounces in 2019.

Polyus said Natalka hosts the 15th-largest gold reserve globally, with 16 million ounces contained in reserves and 34 million ounces in resources. Natalka has an estimated 31-year mine life based on the current open pit mine plan and anticipated gold volumes.