OREANDA-NEWS. The cost reduction in the development of the underground uranium mine No.8 alone will amount to 1.5 billion rubles.

The main feature of the project "Optimization of reserves penetration" is the increase of the distance between mine horizons from 60 to 90 m.

"According to Mine No.8 development project, it was planned to perform tunneling operations on Horizons 7, 8 and 9. Standard distance between horizons is 60 meters. We have proposed to increase level height by 30 m. Thus, instead of Horizon 7 we start tunneling at Horizon 7d. Level height between Horizons 6 and 7d after the optimization will reach 90 m. Then we’ll start Horizon 9, not Horizon 8. Level height between Horizons 7d and 9 will be also 90 m "- explains director of SSD Ivan Kiselev.

According to experts of PIMCU mining department, modern technology will allow to develop the reserves more efficiently. Already completed 200 m of the seventh horizon will be the basis for sinking supplies and equipment, and pumping mine water. Commissioning of Horizon 7d is scheduled for late 2016.

Effective reserve penetration scheme in the future is planned to be used in the construction of Mine No.6, where level height of 120 m is planned.