Sukha Balka, part of Alexander Yaroslavsky’s DCH Group and located in Krivoi Rog, Dnipropetrovsk region, has commenced the development of two new iron ore blocks at the Yubileynaya and Frunze mines, with total reserves of 170,000 tonnes, according to Ukrainian media.
The DCH Steel in-house newspaper reported that these new blocks were prepared and put into operation at the beginning of October. At the Frunze mine, block 39-45 has been launched, featuring reserves of 55,000 tonnes of high-grade ore. The No. 6 Division managed the preparation, utilizing efficient self-propelled tunneling equipment, and began mining in early October.
Additionally, block 34-36 (+10) of the second sublevel at the Gnezdo deposit was activated at the Yubileynaya mine, holding reserves of 115,000 tonnes. This block was prepared by the No. 19 Division, with deep drilling conducted by the No. 9 Division, while the No. 17 Division will handle the mining operations.
“The commissioning of these blocks will ensure a sustained rate of ore extraction at the mines over the next three months,” the company stated.
So far this year, nine blocks have been commissioned at the mine: six at Yubileynaya with a total of 880,000 tonnes in reserves and three at Frunze with reserves of 140,000 tonnes.
Sukha Balka is one of Ukraine’s leading mining enterprises, utilizing underground methods to extract iron ore and comprising the Yubileynaya and Frunze mines. The DCH Group acquired the mine from the Evraz Group in May 2017.