At the SKS-1 production shaft construction site of Norilsk Nickel, final commissioning is imminent according to lead contractor Thyssen Schachtbau (TS), with asphalting of the internal traffic routes in full swing. The concrete curbs are being put in place, branches and foundations for the entrances to the operational buildings are being set up. TS commented: “Our company has been striving towards this momentous day for years. There are literally only a few steps left until the complete fulfilment of the contract in the main production shaft SKS-1. The work is carried out strictly within the agreed deadlines and with consistently high quality.”
At the operating site, the tests of the equipment and technical systems for continuous operation are in full swing. The control system of the wagon circulation on the surface and on the underground horizons has been put into operation. Test trials on the existing fire extinguishing, alarm and communication systems are being carried out. The installation of the communication system between the hoisting machine and the frame in the shaft was completed. Programme testing under load and preparation for commissioning of the shaft hoist will begin shortly. The assembly of the mechanical part of the unloading complex has been completed. After the installation of the control system, the conveyor system will be ready for further transport of ore from the shaft to the unloading point.
With the SKS-1 mine Norilsk Nickel plans to open up deeper ore deposits and entrusted SIEMAG TECBERG with the hoist deliveries for the shaft which, at approximately 2,000 m, is now Russia’s deepest mine by some 500 m. Besides the shaft depth, this project posed a further challenge, as it was required to deliver a complete shaft hoisting system as a complete system with a specified annual hoisting performance. Production is planned for 12 operating hours a day on 330 days of the year and will be carried out with a double-drum Blair winder with skip/skip hoisting system (drive output of 8,000 kW) for running speeds of up to 14 m/s and a maximum payload of 30 t.
The service shaft operates a 4-rope Koepe winder as a cage/counterweight system that, with a drive output of 2,250 kW, moves payloads of up to 20 t at up to 12 m/s. Alongside these two winders SIEMAG TECBERG delivered further equipment such as braking systems, its own-developed sliding bearings, rope sheaves, hydraulic compensation rope sheaves, complete loading and unloading equipment and rope-changing equipment.
