Kazakhmys Corporation has commenced the excavation of the ‘Air Supply-Cage-2’ mine shaft at the Nurkazgan deposit in the Karaganda region, which is set to become the deepest mine shaft in Kazakhstan, reaching a projected depth of 1,284 metres. The investment for this construction is estimated at 32.5 billion tenge. This shaft will serve as a crucial hub for the future infrastructure of the Eastern section of the deposit, primarily aimed at accessing ore bodies located at deep levels, ensuring ventilation for the mine, and facilitating the descent and ascent of workers.
The project entails a significant volume of work, with approximately 65,000 cubic metres of rock mass expected to be extracted during the excavation process. There are plans for nine intersections with existing levels. The excavation is scheduled to continue until 2031, after which modern equipment will be installed in the shaft, including a cage lift, a main ventilation unit, and a modular boiler that will heat the air entering the underground workings.
In parallel, Kazakhmys is preparing for a new phase of development at the site, with work on the companion shaft ‘Ventilation-2’ set to begin next year. Once all operations are completed, the finished shafts will form a comprehensive infrastructure for the future extraction of copper, gold, and silver. Geologists estimate that the confirmed reserves at Nurkazgan will allow the mining and processing plant to operate for over four decades.
