Russia discovered 276 solid mineral deposits in the past year, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday in a congratulatory message marking Geologist's Day.

In the message published by the Kremlin, Putin said that 41 oil and gas condensate fields were also discovered during the period.

He added that Arctic and continental shelf projects are being successfully implemented, and the replenishment of core mineral resources is being reliably ensured.

In late March, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reportedly said the country discovered new lithium reserves for the first time in more than 20 years.

Geologist's Day is a holiday for geologists, geophysicists and geochemists in Russia.