The Tur mine of Kazmarganets ceases mining operations

Due to depletion of manganese ore reserves in Kazmarganets mine of TNC Kazchrome JSC (part of ERG), mining operations have been stopped. Following the policy of careful approach to natural resources, the company will continue to work in the field of processing of previously mined ores, using new modern beneficiation technologies. Most of the employees discharged as a result of the cessation of mining operations will be employed in other ERG divisions.

The history of Kazmarganets ore mining department dates back to 1997, when Aksu Ferroalloy Plant - another branch of TNC Kazchrome JSC - started to develop manganese ore deposit in Nura district of Karaganda region. In the early years, the infrastructure at the Tur mine was intensively developed, a shift camp for employees was built, mining and motor transport equipment was purchased, and the technology of producing manganese concentrate for ferroalloy production was tested. In 2004, the division was reorganised into an independent asset of TNC Kazchrome JSC. Mining was carried out by open pit method. Over 26 years, the employees of the ore mining department have processed almost 76 million m³ of rock mass and extracted 13.7 million tonnes of manganese ore.

At the time of cessation of ore extraction, the mine employs 413 people, just over a hundred of whom will be laid off. We are now working on their employment at other ERG companies.

'Mining process cessation has been on the table for years, so we have been systematically preparing for this stage,’ says Sergey Prokopyev, General Director of Kazchrome. 'First of all, we were taking care of the people with whom we had worked together for many years. At first, we worked on optimising the headcount through vacant positions, and now we are working on employment of the released personnel in the Group's companies. Since we are mainly talking about employees working on a rotational basis, we are considering similar projects such as Shubarkol Komir JSC, Manganese Zhairema JSC and Donskoy Mining and Processing Plant.'

At the same time, the mine will continue its operations, focusing on the processing of previously mined reserves, as well as the beneficiation of small ore sections.

'In line with its mission to carefully utilise the earth's potential, ERG pays special attention to recycling,’ adds Sergey Prokopiev. 'We cannot afford a barbaric attitude to natural resources. There are enough innovative technologies and new engineering solutions that ensure reasonable handling of raw materials. And we will use them, thus ensuring the rational use of natural resources. We will apply the same careful approach to maximise the restoration of disturbed landscapes.'

In order to eliminate the consequences of the mining activities of the Tur mine, in accordance with legal requirements, a project has been developed to restore the land plots affected by the mining process. This is about 516 hectares. Their reclamation will start in 2024, then the soil will be covered with a fertile layer and sown with grass.