NMMC inaugurates 1,000 m deep vertical skip shaft at Zarmitan operation
Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Company (NMMC), the world’s fourth-largest gold producer, has inaugurated a major new facility at the Zarmitan underground gold deposit: a 1,000 m deep vertical skip shaft with a 6.5 m diameter – the first of its kind in Uzbekistan’s mining history. This development is part of NMMC’s broader Investment program, which includes multiple strategic projects aimed at expanding and modernising the company’s gold ore production capabilities.
The new shaft significantly increases ore hoisting capacity, reduces operating costs, and has
already resulted in the creation of 90 new jobs. Once in full operation, the shaft will deliver
approximately 1.4 Mt of ore annually to Processing Plant No.4. The estimated
annual economic impact from the project is about US$1.5 million.
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As noted by Atabek Ravshanov, NMMC Chief Engineer: “The skip shaft is a vertical mine
shaft specifically designed for hoisting ore from underground workings to the surface. Its main
function is to enable fast, efficient, and safe transport of mined material. At Zarmitan, ore from
various underground levels is now gathered at the +240 m level, from which it is centrally
hoisted to the surface. The successful commissioning of this shaft represents not only a
technological advancement but also a landmark for Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgical
sector – a true example of modern engineering. Embracing cutting-edge technologies
remains one of our core priorities going forward.”
This project includes two shafts: the skip shaft and the cage shaft. The skip shaft is equipped
with two 20 t ore bins, designed exclusively for hoisting ore to the surface. The cage shaft
facilitates personnel transport and equipment delivery across multiple underground levels,
including: +0.00 m, +60 m, +120 m, +180 m, +240 m, +270 m, +300 m, +360 m, +420 m and
+480 m.
Both shafts are fitted with advanced information and communication systems. Operations are
controlled from a centralised operator station, enabling real-time monitoring of production
processes and precise tracking of hoisting operations through automated data analytics. The
system is also designed to detect and prevent operational anomalies via early warning alarms
and diagnostic protocols, ensuring a high level of safety and reliability.
The project was delivered through the collaboration of foreign partners including Czech company Mine Construction Alliance sro as the main contractor, plus Ukrainian companies NKMZ which supplied the hoist system itself including the winder, and Preobrazovatel-Complex which supplied the control system. They worked with NMMC, the Southern Mining Administration, and construction teams from the Zarafshan Construction Department and Promelektromontazh Trust, with technical support from specialists from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
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