Media

Polymetallic Holding Group Seligdar (hereafter referred as “Holding Group” or “Seligdar”) together with M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) will present a unique archaeological discovery at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) 2025 as part of the Yakutia pavilion on the “Far Eastern Street” exhibition – a mammoth calf named Yana, recognised as the most well-preserved and the oldest specimen of its kind in the world.

According to scientists, the specimen’s geological age exceeds 100,000 years, making it the oldest among the six mammoth calves ever discovered. Yana’s preservation is exceptional: her head, trunk, ears, mouth and eye sockets remain intact, with no significant damage or deformation. Internal organs, including the stomach, part of the intestines, heart and lungs, have also survived. The carcass weighs more than 110 kg. The calf was named Yana after the mighty northern river.

The discovery was made last year in Batagaika – a globally renowned thermokarst crater in the permafrost of Yakutia’s Verkhoyansk district. Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of local residents and NEFU scientists, the mammoth calf was transported in an excellent state of preservation for further scientific study, which is ongoing in Yakutia.

Presenting this unique specimen to the public for the first time at EEF 2025 marks another significant initiative by Seligdar in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This year, the Company is proud to act as a partner of the Forum’s 10th anniversary edition.

Sergey Tatarinov, CEO of PJSC Seligdar, commented:

“Yakutia is renowned for its unique natural wealth, historical heritage and archaeological discoveries. Often referred to as the ‘land of mammoths’, the region accounts for around 90% of all known mammoth burial sites. The name of the Seligdar River – where our Company commenced operations half a century ago – originates from the Evenki word ‘Seli’, meaning ‘mammoth’, which is deeply symbolic. Our initiative was supported by the regional authorities. Together with NEFU, we are honoured to showcase this extraordinary find at the anniversary edition of EEF and to provide the University with a specially designed cryochamber for future research on Yana.”

In addition to the mammoth calf, the exhibition will feature two cave lion cubs – Sparta and Boris – discovered in the permafrost near the Yakutian Semuelyakh River just a few dozen metres apart. Boris is estimated to be 43,000 years old, while Sparta is around 28,000 years old. Like Yana, they have remained remarkably well-preserved.

The Holding Group organised the full range of technical measures to transport these valuable specimens from Yakutsk to Vladivostok in cooperation with NEFU, whose scientific facilities continue to host the research on Yana. The comprehensive study of the mammoth calf has involved specialists from multiple scientific disciplines, and the results are expected to play a significant role in advancing the understanding of extinct species.

Anatoliy Nikolaev, Rector of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, commented:

“Yana is a true gift from NEFU and Yakutia to the global scientific community. We were extremely fortunate to discover her last summer and, despite some fragmentation, she remains of immense scientific value. Following the dissection carried out this spring, we expect a series of research papers and publications to provide a more complete picture of the life and existence of these extraordinary creatures. I am grateful to our colleagues at Seligdar PJSC for initiating this remarkable project. I am confident that Yana will capture the hearts of all participants and guests at the anniversary EEF.”