1 August 2024

Modernization of the Zapolyarny mine continues within the framework of the integrated Southern Cluster project in Norilsk

As part of the implementation of the complex project “Southern Cluster”, included in the Yeniseiskaya Sibir KIP, the modernization of production at the Zapolyarny mine continues. The implementation of this comprehensive project is aimed at expanding the mine’s mine capacity and building mining facilities for quarrying. 

Currently, production is growing at the quarry, and the necessary complex of works is being carried out in the underground part to build new workings, transport slopes and other facilities. In 2024, the third field of the Lebyazhye tailings storage facility will be put into commercial operation. 

General Director of LLC “Bear Creek” Vladimir Zaitsev: “The quarry and the mine are moving in the direction of increasing production to a total of nine million tons of ore per year. Previously, the factory processed about 7.5 million tons of ore with its potential capacity of 9.2 million tons. Last year, we introduced the first chain for processing interspersed ores with a full cycle of ore preparation. And now the factory’s productivity has reached nine million.”

The company is implementing the most modern technologies: a digital tracking system has been introduced to track work in real time.  The Zapolyarny mine is now fully digitized and has an accurate positioning system. The communication system and data transmission networks at the mine’s quarry provide control over the mining transport complex, which includes more than 100 pieces of equipment: drilling rigs, excavators and dump trucks, as well as bulldozers, tankers and other equipment.

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In 2018, the Southern Cluster project became part of the Yeniseiskaya Sibir KIP and became one of the largest initiatives within the framework of a comprehensive investment project. In 2021, the Southern Cluster received the status of a regional investment project.