ShDNK2 Mine

Located in Western Kazakhstan, ShDNK-2 boasts the highest quality chromium deposit in the world. Operations started the open pit in 1978, reaching a peak of 4 mtpa in 2022. Now, ShDNK-2 is transitioning to underground operations, with a forecast peak production output of 7 mtpa.

Ground conditions at ShDNK-2 are extremely challenging and are well-renowned for this reason. A combination of serpentite and gabbro rock mass, with major faults running through the ore body, present significant challenges, with 1.0m advance lengths for development being the norm.

Turan Industrial (Turan) started discussions with ERG in 2021, as the client sought a second competent underground mining contractor to create completion on-site. Turan was awarded the contract for ore flow development in 2022, comprising 18,000m3 of lateral development, including mass excavation, raise drilling, and vertical development of three ore passes and two lift raises, totaling 500 metres of vertical development. Since the initial contract, Turan have been awarded a further six scopes of work at the mine, and the scope is expected to grow over the next few years with the start-up of mechanized sub-level caving operations.