Credit: ERG
On Thursday 12 December 2024, Luxembourg-headquartered Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a diversified metals and mining company in Kazakhstan, announced the launch of its Bolashak chromium mine at Khromtau, Kazakhstan.
Attendees at the ceremony included the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, ERG’s CEO and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Shukhrat Ibragimov, CEO of ERG Kazakhstan, Serik Shakhazhanov, and managers of TNC Kazchrome JSC, which is part of ERG.
According to ERG, total investment in the Bolashak mine, including the upcoming launch, is US$2 billion (approximately €1.9 billion). The new mine is expected to secure the long-term steady supply of high-quality raw materials to Kazakhstan's ferroalloy plants. The company added that modern equipment with a high level of automation and remote control will increase the safety and productivity of every employee. It is anticipated that the investment project will create 1,800 new jobs in the country.
Shukhrat Ibragimov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Managers of ERG, said: "The launch of the Bolashak mine is a milestone for the metals and mining industry of Kazakhstan. One of the main investment projects for ERG as a leading ferrochrome producer globally, it’s also among the major initiatives in the ferroalloys industrial sector. While investing in the mine, we continue to develop our business and maintain a high level of vertical integration, strengthening Kazakhstan’s leading position in the global market. Our ferroalloys plants in Aktobe and Aksu receive 100% of ore, concentrate and pellets that we produce." He added: "Throughout the 30 years of the Group’s operation, Kazakhstan’s enterprises have been our priority: they made our history and they make our future. ERG’s investments in the Bolashak mine are helping to further improve the well-being of Khromtau residents and foster the development of the Aktobe region and Kazakhstan as a whole."
As part of the Bolashak mine, two deposits are being developed: Millionnoe and Almaz-Zhemchuzhina. The length of tunnels exceeds 21 km and fully automated lifting machines have a speed of about 16 m/s. New, high-performance smart drilling rigs with automated operation can be controlled from the surface.
Erlan Bitanov, an experienced tunnel digger and head of the first group of miners at Bolashak, said: "I have 20 years mine working experience, so I can really compare things. The new mine will be highly automated, with the new self-propelled machines acting as operators and making the work easier. With this up-to-date equipment, staff will not have to spend so much time in the face working area, which means higher occupational safety."
