As part of the transformation program, Siberia-Polymetals JSC (an enterprise of the UMMC group) carefully analyzed the current method of ore mining at the Korbalikhinskoye deposit. The analysis revealed a number of shortcomings of the applied layered mining system: low productivity, a large amount of preparatory and cutting work, high cost of ore mining.
The company's specialists, together with the Uralmekhanobr Institute (UMMC), have developed a project for conducting pilot tests, during which the chamber mining system of the Korbalikhinskoye deposit will be tested. The project is aimed at more efficient mining of ore bodies, increasing productivity and reducing the cost of extracted polymetallic ores.
- To switch to the new mining system, a Simba multifunctional self-propelled drilling rig was purchased. It allows you to drive horizontal and vertical mine workings, - says Dmitry Slonov, chief engineer of the Korbalikhinsky mine. - The drilling rig is fully hydraulic and has a remote control panel, thanks to which the operator can be at a safe distance while drilling.
In December, the drilling rig was delivered to the site of the Korbalikhinsky mine and put into operation. Specially trained personnel immediately started working on the new equipment.
Already in the second quarter of next year, the company plans to conduct the first pilot tests using a chamber mining system and extract at least 60 thousand tons of ore from minimal cost.
