Experts stated that due to insufficient prepared mining blocks and declining reserve quality, gold production in Russia's Kolyma region could decrease by 16 to 18 tons in the coming years. This assessment was presented at the "Modern Exploration Methods: Geology and Geophysics" roundtable discussion.

During the meeting, experts noted that the placer gold reserves in the Magadan Oblast have a secure supply period of approximately 8 to 10 years, with some areas depleting faster, nearing 40 years. Expert A.V.V. mentioned: "The quality of mining reserves is declining, requiring the preparation of exploration blocks using new methods." Although modern technology can increase proven reserves by 25%, its effectiveness is limited due to the unique geological characteristics of Kolyma.

Currently, 17% of the proven placer gold reserves fall into the hard-to-extract category, requiring higher costs, with only 10% of the reserves being economically viable. Experts predict that placer gold extraction in the region may decline by 100 tons, primarily due to inadequate block preparation and deteriorating reserve quality. In 2025, local placer gold extraction was 16.1 tons.

The depletion level of Kolyma's reserves has already reached 30%, while preparing new blocks can take up to 8 years, potentially leading to a shortage of reserves for gold mining in the coming years. Experts warn that the continued reduction in placer gold reserves may cause some deposits to close due to economic inviability.