Perm Krai Governor Dmitry Makhonin met with Acron Vice President Vladimir Kantor, Acron CEO Vladimir Kunitsky and Verkhnekamsk Potash Company (VPC) CEO Alexander Pupov. The meeting, which took place in Perm, focused on the ongoing project to develop the Talitsky area of the Verkhnekamsk potassium-magnesium salt deposit, social and economic partnership, and industrial cooperation with regional producers.

Mr Makhonin noted that the Perm Krai have a long history of cooperation with VPC, an Acron Group company. The Talitsky project is important primarily from the point of view of creating new jobs. Once production starts, about 2,000 people will be employed here. In addition, the implementation of a special investment contract will help increase exports of mineral fertilisers and promote industrial cooperation between the largest producer and local enterprises. The Governor emphasised that Acron is a socially responsible company, buying housing for its employees and building a children’s summer recreation camp.

According to Mr Kantor, ‘This is the largest project in the history of Acron Group – the total investment will be USD 2.7 billion, of which USD 1.3 billion has already been invested. Construction of the mine and surface facilities is well underway, and we plan to start potash production in 2026. It is important that Acron Group’s strategic project is implemented taking into account the potential of the regional producers. We have signed contracts worth RUB 16.6 billion with companies in Perm Krai’.

With the development of the Talitsky mine project, Acron is paying increasing attention to social issues. For example, RUB 173 million has been allocated to purchase and equip apartments for non-resident employees, and the company plans to expand the housing fund for future employees.

This year, the company started construction of the Yolochka recreation centre, which will welcome the children of VPC employees as early as the summer of 2024, and later employees, residents, and guests of the region. The company plans to expand cooperation with the region’s educational centres: it has already signed cooperation agreements with Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm State National Research University, Berezniki Polytechnic College, and the Rational Subsoil Use Research and Education Centre. The company also supports local environmental and cultural initiatives.

In 2019 VPC, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Government of Perm Krai signed a special investment agreement at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2019 to create an industrial facility for the development of the Talitsky area of the Verkhnekamsk potassium-magnesium salt deposit with a capacity of 2 million tonnes of potassium chloride per year.