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Sukha Balka Mine's Strategic Expansion: High-Quality Ore Development at Frunze Mine

Synopsis: Sukha Balka Mine, part of DCH Steel Group, has begun developing a new ore block at Frunze Mine, with a goal to extract over 41 thousand metric tons of high-quality ore in the next 2.5 months. The new block, part of the Druzhba deposit, contains ore with an iron content of 60%-66%. The mine continues to ramp up operations as it sets its sights on increasing crude ore production to 930 thousand metric tons in 2025.
Friday, February 28, 2025
BALKA
Source : ContentFactory

Sukha Balka Mine's Strategic Development at Frunze Mine: A Push for Higher Productivity

Sukha Balka Mine, a key asset of DCH Steel Group, is pushing forward with a series of developments aimed at enhancing its mining capacity and increasing the quality of its iron ore output. A significant development has been the recent start of work on a new ore block at the Frunze mine, one of the two mines under Sukha Balka's operations. The company plans to develop this new block in just 2.5 months, demonstrating its commitment to efficient and rapid expansion.

New Ore Block at Frunze Mine

The new block 55-61 is located at a depth of -1210 meters within the Druzhba deposit of Frunze Mine. This development is crucial as it brings with it reserves of over 41 thousand metric tons of high-quality ore, with an iron content ranging from 60% to 66%. This ore is expected to meet high industry standards for iron, positioning Sukha Balka to further consolidate its position in the competitive iron ore market.

The preparations for the development of this block were well underway, with self-propelled equipment and NKR machines used for sinking, mining operations, and drilling. The block represents the final ore block at the -1210-meter horizon of the deposit. As the mining operations move deeper, future production units will be developed at even lower horizons, unlocking further reserves that could ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality iron ore in the coming years.

Sukha Balka’s Increasing Mining Capacities

The Frunze mine expansion is just one of several initiatives Sukha Balka is undertaking. The mine is also ramping up operations at its Yubileyna mine, which has recently commissioned a new ore block (28-34). This block is located at the Golovoye seam, situated at a depth of -1420 meters. The block contains 135 thousand metric tons of crude ore with an iron content of 58.4%. This addition is set to play a significant role in the company's ability to meet its mining targets over the next five months.

The company's production goals are ambitious. Sukha Balka mine produced 1.002 million metric tons of crude ore in 2024, with a slight dip of 1.5% compared to the 917 thousand metric tons of commercial products produced in 2023. In 2025, the company targets mining 930 thousand metric tons of crude ore, with a production goal of 850 thousand metric tons of commercial products.

Expanding Capacity for Future Growth

Sukha Balka's operational strategy includes increased capacity across various key metrics. In 2025, the company plans to process 8 thousand cubic meters of rock mass, perform cutting operations of 5.2 thousand meters, and conduct 91.77 thousand meters of well drilling. These efforts are expected to ensure that Sukha Balka maintains a steady flow of high-quality raw materials and meets both domestic and international demands for iron ore.

Sukha Balka's Role in the Ukrainian Mining Industry

Specializing in underground iron ore mining, Sukha Balka plays a significant role in the Ukrainian mining sector. The mine has an annual capacity of about 3.1 million metric tons of iron ore, making it one of the largest and most important mining operations in the country. The combination of Yubileyna and Frunze mines allows Sukha Balka to offer a steady and substantial output, which is critical for both domestic industries and global steel production.

Looking to the Future

Sukha Balka’s ability to innovate and expand with strategic projects like the development of new ore blocks is crucial for its long-term sustainability. With reserves of high-quality iron ore and the continuous improvement of mining techniques, the company is positioning itself for growth in both the short and long term.

The focus on high-quality ore extraction from the Frunze mine and Yubileyna mine should help Sukha Balka meet its production goals while securing a strong competitive advantage in the iron ore market.

Key Takeaways

•Sukha Balka Mine, part of DCH Steel Group, has started developing block 55-61 at Frunze mine, which contains 41.5 thousand metric tons of high-quality ore with 60%-66% iron content.

•The development of the new block is planned to be completed in 2.5 months, utilizing self-propelled equipment and NKR machines for sinking, mining, and drilling.

•Block 55-61 is the last block at the -1210-meter horizon of the Druzhba deposit, with future production units to be developed at deeper horizons.

•The Yubileyna mine has also commissioned a new block 28-34, containing 135 thousand metric tons of crude ore with an iron content of 58.4%, to help meet production targets.

•Sukha Balka produced 1.002 million metric tons of crude ore in 2024, with a target of 930 thousand metric tons of crude ore and 850 thousand metric tons of commercial products for 2025.

•The company’s annual production capacity is around 3.1 million metric tons of iron ore, with operations spread across Yubileyna and Frunze mines.

•Sukha Balka is increasing its operational efficiency, with planned processing of 8 thousand cubic meters of rock mass and 91.77 thousand meters of well drilling in 2025.

•The company is focused on ensuring a steady supply of high-quality iron ore, aiming to meet both domestic and global demands.