Nornickel has begun developing a new horizon of the Severny mine at a depth of up to -730 meters. The project, worth 13.5 billion rubles, will increase ore production to 7 million tons per year and ensure stable operation of the Zapolyarny site for decades to come.
Preparatory work has been ongoing for two years. During this time, a shaft-sinking section has been formed at the site, and over 85 thousand cubic meters of mine workings have been completed. Specialists have built chambers for underground crushers and part of the future main ore transportation route.
In July, the deepening of the central ventilation shaft, which currently operates down to the -440 meter mark, will begin. The first launch complex of the new horizon is planned to be commissioned in 2028.
Currently, the Severny mine annually produces almost 6 million tons of ore. After reaching the new horizon, the enterprise's productivity is expected to increase to 7 million tons per year by 2030.
The proven reserves of the mine are estimated at approximately 120 million tons. At the same time, the existing mineral resource base allows for further development of the deposit to a depth of -1400 meters in the future.