The unique mechanized tunneling complex "Norda" has arrived in Norilsk after a large-scale logistics operation spanning 7,500 kilometers. The equipment, intended for ore extraction at the Taimyrsky mine, completed the final stage of its journey along the winter road, despite difficult weather conditions.
The valuable cargo began its route through Zabaikalsk, then traveled about 6,800 kilometers on paved roads to Novy Urengoy. The final stretch of 680 kilometers was covered by a convoy of special equipment along the winter road in a few days.
Due to abnormal warming, drivers had to adjust the schedule: heavy equipment moved mainly at night, when the ground froze enough for safe passage. Daytime movement threatened the subsidence of transport in soft cover.
The complex itself is a new generation engineering solution. The machine, 160 meters long and weighing about 700 tons, is designed for ore extraction in the Arctic. This technology is being used for the first time. "Norda" will replace traditional drilling and blasting with mechanical rock splitting, which will increase the accuracy of tunneling and reduce the vibrational load on the array.
The peculiarity of "Norda" is the complete automation of processes and the presence of an emergency capsule. In the event of an emergency, the crew will be able to autonomously stay underground for up to thirty days. Such a safety system has not previously been used in the mines of the Arctic.
Currently, the delivered modules are being unloaded at the Taimyrsky mine. After full delivery, all elements of the system will be lowered into the underground horizon to the Severnaya-4 deposit, where engineers will assemble and debug the equipment before industrial operation.
