Uralkali begins commercial operations at Novo-Solikamsk section of Solikamsk-1 field
MOSCOW. March 3 (Interfax) - Uralkali has begun commercial operations at the Novo-Solikamsk section of Verkhnekamskoye potassium and magnesium salts deposit, extending the service life of the mining complex until at least 2030, the company's press service said.
The Solikamsk-1 mine and plant complex has been operating since 1934. The reserves of sylvinite ore at the mine field have almost been exhausted in the complex's 80 years of operation, the company said. In order to extend the service life of Solikamsk-1 and prevent staff losses, it was decided to increase the ore field by connecting part of the adjacent Novo-Solikamsk section, which is currently being developed by the Solikamsk-3 mine and plant complex.
"The project to connect the Verkhnekamskoye deposit with the complex was developed by OJSC Galurgiya in 2007 and the necessary approvals were subsequently received. By 2013, all preparatory work had been completed and the facilities of the complex (central conveyor, ventilation and transport roadways) had been extended to connect to the new part of the mine. In February 2014, commercial operations began at the site," Uralkali said.
The site is expected to produce 600,000 tonnes of ore in 2014.
Uralkali has capacity to produce 13 million tonnes a year. It plans to produce about 12 million tonnes this year, up from 10 million tonnes in 2013.
