The Full Brilliance of Russian Software
Digital prospectors and IT geologists in Russia’s Arctic north have built the nation’s first platform for real-time diamond layer mapping and analysis, shifting exploration into the algorithm age.
Real-Time Algorithms Over Manual Labor
As the mining combine cuts into the rock, a detailed 3D map of diamond-bearing kimberlite forms in real time on the engineer’s screen. The breakthrough IT platform, Proex-Geology, developed by Pomor Diamonds, analyzes the composition, volume, and—critically—the quality of diamonds during extraction.
This process eliminates production stops and the need for lengthy lab testing. The difference is like replacing guesswork with an MRI scan of the Earth’s crust. The result: a dramatic drop in costs by minimizing barren rock processing and optimizing ore enrichment. Drilling volume is reduced ninefold.
Environmental impact is also reduced through lower waste and smarter energy use—less power is wasted on processing unnecessary material.
Strategic Software for Sanctions and Science
In the face of international sanctions, domestic software for critical sectors like mining is more important than ever. Proex-Geology stands as both an import substitute and a competitive edge. The system is already integrated into production processes and supported by Arctic universities.
Industry experts say the platform matches—and in some areas outperforms—Western alternatives. With global mining firms actively seeking efficient digital tools, Russia’s solution is hitting the sweet spot of current global demand.
Arctic-Proven and Ready to Export
Tested in the harsh Russian Arctic, the platform has proven its reliability. A tool that performs in subzero conditions will face no trouble in hotter climates like Africa.
The export potential is enormous. A successful pilot in the Arkhangelsk region is the first step toward making Russian mining software as sought-after as its natural resources. In 2023, Russian software exports rose by 43%, and deep-industry platforms like this one are expected to drive future growth.
Digital Core of Arctic Development
A key strength of the Proex-Geology project is its systemic approach and deep regional integration. The platform fits squarely into the Russian Arctic Zone development strategy and could become a technological hub for other northern mining projects.
Its connection to the Russian Arctic Research and Education Center ensures ongoing innovation and skilled workforce supply. The region has already made headlines in IT. Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU) has helped develop several major technologies and continues to provide talent.
In 2022, researchers introduced garnet analysis methods to identify diamond-rich zones. In 2023, a green tech initiative began converting mining byproducts (like saponite) into building materials. Last year saw the creation of digital tools for managing mining processes. Regional initiatives like the Arctic Star cluster have created the infrastructure for scaling up.
Today’s leap forward is no accident—it is the result of years of strategic development, positioning the Russian north as a digital nucleus for mining innovation.
Scaling Up and Going Global
The diamond platform is ripe for scaling to other deposits and even different types of mineral resources across Russia. It could be packaged as a commercial solution both domestically and internationally—including in Canada, Africa, and Australia.
Future upgrades could include integration with digital twins of mining sites, IoT sensor data streams, and machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to further enhance predictive analytics.
This development from Pomorye is a case study in the power of combining science, business, and regional strategy. Russian IT isn’t just catching up—it’s setting new standards in traditionally conservative industries like mining.
