OREANDA-NEWS. Metalloinvest (the “Company”) announced that Lebedinsky GOK (“LGOK”) and Mikhailovsky GOK (“MGOK”) (both part of Metalloinvest) have received new, high-load Belaz trucks with a maximum load capacity of 220 and 160 tonnes, respectively. The purchase of the trucks is part of Metalloinvest’s programme to acquire a set of high-performance machinery for its mining and transportation operations. Up to now, the maximum load capacity of trucks at LGOK and MGOK was 136 tonnes.

Six Caterpillar mining trucks with a load capacity of 180 tonnes will also be delivered this year at LGOK and MGOK as part of contracts signed by Metalloinvest and Zeppelin Russland. Two Hitachi EX 5600E-6LD excavators with a 23 cubic meter bucket are expected to be brought into operation at the production sites next year. At present, the maximum bucket capacity of trucks at the Company’s businesses is 10-12 cubic metres. The purchase of this machinery is part of contracts signed with Management Company Techstroycontract, the official distributor of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. products.

Eduard Potapov, General Director of Management Company METALLOINVEST, commented: “Metalloinvest aims to increase production efficiency and improve working conditions at the Company’s businesses. The use of new machinery will enable us to increase our productivity and provide comfortable working conditions.”

The Belaz trucks are currently being assembled at the GOKs’ sites, and will be used in the mines to transport mining material. They are scheduled to start operations in June. The new Belaz trucks have a range of technological advantages as compared against their predecessors. They are equipped with enhanced engines which ensure higher capacity, faster lifting speed and improved fuel efficiency. A modernised electric drive system will lead to a smoother power change when moving. The reduction gear, brake system and hydraulic system have also been improved.

It is important that the drivers’ place of work is equipped in line with the requirements to reduce the level of noise and cabin vibration. A modern heating system and air conditioning unit provide comfortable working conditions for drivers.