The Government of Chukchi region has signed the final agreement with Canadian company Bema Gold Corporation on the sale of 75% of the Kupol deposit shares.

According to the governor of Churotka Roman Abramovich, the region is open for business. In the nearest future the government plans to find the partner for commercial exploitation of the Mayskoye gold deposit.

The Kupol deposit is situated in 200 km to the west from the Bilibino city. The resources of the deposit are estimated at 835 tons ounces of gold and 9,4 mln ounces of silver. The beginning of exploration works is planned for the spring of 2003.