In 2017, Polyus has initiated several biodiversity research and monitoring projects across all its regions of operation. During that year, Polyus has invested 7.5 million roubles in biodiversity studies and will additionally invest more than 3.5 million in 2018.
Magadan Region
In a partnership with local research institutes, Polyus Magadan (Natalka) has carried out the following activities:
- Hydrobiological monitoring of the macrozoobenthos of the Intrigan and Omchak rivers
- Monitoring of biological and fishing resources in the rivers Intrigan, Khiniky-Kulu and Omchak
- Winter route census of commercial species of animals in the rivers Intrigan, Khiniky-Kulu and Omchak
- Zoological monitoring of common, rare and protected species of animals
- Geobotanical monitoring of common species of plants.
The activities were part of the planned implementation of Polyus’ corporate Biodiversity Standard.
Krasnoyarsk Territory
The Institute of Forest of the Russian Academy of Sciences has performed a number of biodiversity studies in the area adjacent to Polyus’ Olimpiada mine.
A verified list of plant species present near Olimpiada was drawn up.
Republic of Sakha
At Kuranakh, the Institute of Applied Ecology of the North has examined the state of hydrobiocoenosis in the Bolshoi Kuranakh River.
Irkutsk Region
In late 2017, Polyus and the Vitim Nature Reserve have developed a biodiversity monitoring programme for Polyus Verninskoye.
In 2018, Polyus Verninskoye and the Vitim Nature Reserve have signed an agreement to study the diversity of populations and species of flora and fauna in the area near Verninskoye.
The following indicators were chosen to define the state of biodiversity and ecosystems on the researched territory: species abundance, species abundance factor, endemism factor, number of rare and vanishing species, rate of adventitious species in flora, rate of rare species.
Field research identified the presence of various plants and animals in the area. After the processing and detailed analysis of the collected materials, a species-based list of animals and plants describing biodiversity of the region will be drawn up.
Based on the data, Polyus Verninskoye and the research team of the Vitim Nature Reserve will develop an action plan for 2019 on the preservation of endangered species.