OREANDA-NEWS. Uralkali’s Solikamsk-1 mine and plant complex has increased its ore field by connecting part of the Novo-Solikamsk section of the Verkhnekamskoye potassium and magnesium salts deposit to it. As a result, the service life of the mining complex will be extended until at least 2030.

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.

Alexander Shinkarenko, Deputy Chief Engineer for Technology of Solikamsk-1:

- Operations have already begun at the site. In February 2014, 15,000 tonnes were extracted from the deposit and ore is already being processed at the complex. In total, two continuous miners will mine ore at the site, while two further teams will be engaged in preparatory work. In 2014, this site is expected to produce 600,000 tonnes of ore.

Uralkali has also commenced works at the Red 2 seam and is currently preparing a slope for the AB seam above it.

The section, which is being developed as part of the project, is outside the urban area of Solikamsk. The project also includes the construction of a hydraulic stowage complex.

Alexey Sukhanov, Director of Solikamsk-1 Mine and Plant Complex

- This is a very significant event for the whole Company - the service life of the Solikamsk-1 mine has now been extended for many years. The mine will continue to provide employment at the current level for many years ahead and fully utilise its potash and enriched carnallite capacities. Symbolically, the mine’soperations have been renewed in its anniversary year. It is here that first Russia’s potash fertilisers were produced 80 years ago. Our story goes on!