On April 29, Acron Group subsidiary North-Western Phosphorous Company produced the first cubic meter of in-house concrete at the mine construction site at the Oleniy Ruchey apatite-nepheline ore deposit in Murmansk region. The M-500 concrete mixing plant, with an hourly capacity of up to 30 m³, can operate year-round at temperatures between -30 and +40 C.
The concrete plant’s components and units, including its drive mechanisms and air and automation systems, were manufactured by leading global companies. The plant’s durability is enhanced by an innovative skip loader, and its efficiency is ensured by an intermediate weigh batcher for concrete aggregate. In order to provide the concrete mixing plant with sand-gravel aggregate, NWPC has acquired a subsoil license for Kitcheyavr deposit. Bringing the concrete mixing plant on stream will secure a continuous supply of concrete, sand and rubble for the mine’s construction and accelerate construction works.
On the same day, a Komatsu bulldozer was delivered to the mine site. With the installation of Komatsu mining equipment, including the bulldozer, an excavator, a loader and dump trucks, the Company will be able to start open-pit operations in June 2010. In parallel, NWPC is organizing professional training for the personnel who will operate the mining equipment.