SUEK has been implementing a large-scale investment programme to provide the Zarechny open-pit mine in the Kuzbass with the most modern high-performance equipment. In the spring of 2018, SUEK began developing the new site at Zarechny. Over the past two years, more than $19 million have been spent on its equipment alone.
In 2018, $17.4 million in total was invested in the development of Zarechny. This year, the total mine investment will exceed $38 million. In early June, a Komatsu PC4000 electrohydraulic excavator with a bucket capacity of 22 m3 arrived at the facility. The company also purchased a Komatsu WD600 wheeled dozer. Three BELAZ dump trucks were added to the company’s motor transport department: one BELAZ-75131, with a loading capacity of 130 t, and two BELAZ-75306, each with a loading capacity of 220 t. All the trucks have been put into operation. Additionally, 12 drivers have passed the required training and work placement evaluation.
Moreover, two DML LP-1200 drilling rigs, two Volvo L350H wheel loaders and a Liebherr PR776 crawler dozer were bought for Zarechny. In general, vehicle fleet upgrades will enable Zarechny to consistently produce 4 Mt of coal per year. In the spring of 2018, SUEK began developing a new site at the Zarechny open-pit mine. Other purchases include a Komatsu PC1250 hydraulic excavator and a HBM-NOBAS BG240TA-4 motor grader. For wetting mine roads in summer and sanding in winter, a PSCHK combined road machine based on a BELAZ-7547 arrived at the location.
Thanks to the successful modernisation programme, 1.2 Mt were mined additionally at Zarechny in the first incomplete year of operation ie 2018. This year, the new site will reach a capacity of 2 Mt of coal per year. “Regular upgrades of our excavator, bulldozer and vehicle fleet help the companies achieve their production targets,” Alexander Katsubin, Head of the Zarechny open-pit mine, said. “Besides, the introduction of modern machinery ensures the safety of miners. High performance is impossible without a reliable, strong team. By breaking new records, our team becomes even more confident. In addition, the company runs a social support system for employees and their families, which is a good incentive for our staff.”
