OREANDA-NEWS. December 20, 2010. Uralkali has installed a Siemag-made skip hoist as part of a project to modernize Mine 4. Two further hoisting units will be replaced at Mine 4 in 2011. These steps towards modernization will increase Mine 4's annual design capacity from 14.5 million to 19.7 million tonnes of ore in 2012.

The Siemag-made skip hoist is a modern and functional unit capable of hoisting up to 30 tonnes of potash ore from a depth of 400 meters. The old units could hoist a maximum of 24 tonnes of ore at a time. Another important advantage of the new Siemag hoist is that it is automated and equipped with a self-test system. Start-up and commissioning is being carried out by Siemag experts.

As part of its overall effort to increase Mine 4's capacity, Uralkali is also rehabilitating its conveyer transportation equipment and constructing an additional (third) conveyor belt line. In addition, the number of combine systems will increase from 37 to 40 units by 2012.

The project to increase Mine 4’s capacity is part of Uralkali's facility modernization program aimed at producing 7 million tonnes of muriate of potash in 2012.