MMK extracts 100 millionth tonne of ore from Maly Kuybas deposit

The Rudnik shop, part of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works’ (MMK) mining and processing plant, has reached the mark of 100 million tonnes of iron ore mined at the Maly Kuybas deposit.

Development of the deposit began in the 1970s, and the first train with iron ore from Maly Kuybas was loaded on 13 February 1973. The deposit produced its 50 millionth tonne of iron ore in April 1999.

The open-pit mining currently in operation at the deposit produces in excess of 2 million tonnes every year. In order to gain access to additional ore deposits, mine workers are constantly expanding both the width and the depth – now exceeding 250 metres – of the pit. The mining equipment in use, including drilling rigs, excavators and dump trucks, is updated on a regular basis. In addition to iron ore, building stone is also mined at the site.

The deposit is home to a diversity of minerals. The mine has had an exhibition in place for several years that presents various samples of rocks found at the deposit. Samples collected from Maly Kuybas are also exhibited in the museum at the Ural State Mining University.

The possibility of conducting ultra-deep underground mining at Maly Kuybas is currently under consideration.