#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. BelAZ, with Nornickel’s support, plans to begin production of modern mining equipment that will meet the best world standards. In the future, this will provide the markets of Russia and the CIS countries with such equipment. The management of the companies has already signed the corresponding agreement.
The plans include the creation and serial production of underground dump trucks and load-haul trucks running on diesel and alternative energy sources, as well as auxiliary equipment. Nornickel acts as an anchor customer, participates in improving the machines designs and conducting tests.
“With our help and support, BelAZ is ready to occupy a new niche – the production of mining equipment and spare parts for it, which is needed today by all Russian mining companies. Such an integrated approach will strengthen Russian-Belarusian economic ties, ensure import substitution of mining equipment in Russia, and minimize sanctions risks. In the future, we plan to consider the possibility of expanding cooperation and creating a base for repair and maintenance of mining equipment in Russia – in Krasnoyarsk”, commented Nikolay Utkin, first vice president and head of the Block for Interaction with Government Authorities at Nornickel.
Joint work on creating prototypes has already begun. The first test vehicles are operating in Norilsk mines: six MoAZ-75851 underground dump trucks with a lifting capacity of 50 tons, and a prototype of the MoAZ-4076 load-haul truck with a lifting capacity of 17.2 tons, created for joint and efficient operation in mines with 50-ton trucks, has been assembled at BelAZ. In February, this newest mine loader will be shipped to Norilsk miners. The equipment will be modified based on the test results.
An important feature of the agreement is that it provides not only for the development of competencies in the equipment production, but also for its major repairs and maintenance, as well as the supply of spare parts.
According to estimates, about half of the Russian mining companies’ needs for mining equipment come from Nornickel. The new production will almost completely cover these needs.
“The agreement with Nornickel is an example of mutually beneficial cooperation that will allow both companies to strengthen their positions in the market. We are combining our efforts to develop and manufacture underground mining equipment using both traditional fuel and alternative energy sources. This will allow us not only to meet the current market needs of our key partner, the Russian Federation, but also to set new standards in the mining industry, offering the highest quality products that meet the most stringent requirements”, said BelAZ CEO Sergey Lesin.
Follow us on Telegram, VKontakte.
Text: Anzhelika Stepanova, Photo: Nornickel’s press service
