On March 15, as the sinking equipment and facilities for 2# shaft at Timok Copper Gold Mine demobilized, (Section I) works at Timok Copper & Gold Mine undertaken by Kinsey project in Serbia were successfully completed 107 days ahead of schedule.
2# shaft functions as the main air return shaft for the upper orebody of Timok Mine, constituting the key in its ventilation system and a key work for the successful completion of development works and commencement of production on -140mL. Besides, it is crucial for the Employer to achieve 1.8 mtpa production capacity.
To assist the Employer in achieving the stage target of completing capital development works and preliminary ramp up, Kinsey project proactively made plans, carried out change-over of hoisting system in June of 2020 without waiting for the shaft to be developed to the bottom, so as to expedite horizontal development on -80mL, with connection to the service decline successfully achieved on November 17, 2020. Seven days later, the first truck of copper & gold ores was delivered to the surface stockpile via decline. Thereby, the Employer’s targets for phase I were successfully achieved under the assistance of Kinsey project, including “simultaneous development and production, sooner delivery of ore and quick ROI”.
As capital development progressed, service facilities above -140mL should be established soonest to ramp up production, for which 2# shaft as the main air return shaft, was again identified as a key work.
Despite of adverse impact such as tight schedule, heavy task and large water ingress at deeper areas, Kinsey project proactively responded to the requirements of the Employer, deploying best resources to prepare for the restart of sinking at 2# shaft, making detailed construction plan and special technical measures for water control and prevention.
UG fissure water significantly increased after exposure to the marlstone and andesite strata on -130mL. Under such conditions, the team on-site rapidly took pumping measures and quickly identified the relationships between fissure water in andesite strata and water from exploration holes in deeper aquifer, through in-depth study. Based on that, well-timed and targeted plans were made and optimized for water control including grouting pad, cover drilling & water sealing, which enabled the execution of a series of actions in this regard, and the successful completion of shaft as scheduled.
The successful completion and handover of 2# shaft at Timok mine marks a milestone for JCHX in European market, while laying a solid foundation for its future expansion there.
