Uzbekistan’s first 1000 m vertical skip shaft commissioned by NMMC at Zarmitan

This development is part of NMMC’s broader Investment programme, which includes multiple strategic projects aimed at expanding and modernising the company’s gold ore production capabilities.

The new shaft significantly increases ore hoisting capacity, reduces operating costs, and has already resulted in the creation of 90 new jobs. Once in full operation, the shaft will deliver approximately 1.4 million t of ore annually to Processing Plant ?4. The estimated annual economic impact from the project is UZS 19.2 billion (approximately US$1.5 million).

Atabek Ravshanov, NMMC Chief Engineer, noted:

“The skip shaft is a vertical mine shaft specifically designed for hoisting ore from underground workings to the surface. Its main function is to enable fast, efficient, and safe transport of mined material. At Zarmitan, ore from various underground levels is now gathered at the +240 m level, from which it is centrally hoisted to the surface. The successful commissioning of this shaft represents not only a technological advancement, but also a landmark for Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgical sector – a true example of modern engineering. Embracing cutting-edge technologies remains one of our core priorities going forward”.

This project includes two shafts: the skip shaft and the cage shaft. The skip shaft is equipped with two 20 t ore bins, designed exclusively for hoisting ore to the surface. The cage shaft facilitates personnel transport and equipment delivery across multiple underground levels, including: +0.00 m, +60 m, +120 m, +180 m, +240 m, +270 m, +300 m, +360 m, +420 m, and +480 m.

Both shafts are fitted with advanced information and communication systems. Operations are controlled from a centralised operator station, enabling real-time monitoring of production processes and precise tracking of hoisting operations through automated data analytics. The system is also designed to detect and prevent operational anomalies via early warning alarms and diagnostic protocols, ensuring a high level of safety and reliability.

The project was delivered through the collaboration of foreign partners, NMMC, the Southern Mining Administration, and construction teams from the Zarafshan Construction Department and Promelektromontazh Trust, with technical support from specialists from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/02052025/uzbekistans-first-1000-m-vertical-skip-shaft-commissioned-by-nmmc-at-zarmitan/