Shakhtinsk, 25 October. Qarmet's Tentek mine has produced a million tonnes of coal for the first time in the past ten years and aims to raise output to 1.2 million tonnes by the end of 2026, the company said.
"The last time the mine produced a million tonnes of coal was ten years ago. Today we are not only restoring our previous figures but also laying the foundation for further development. This year we are commissioning two new main air shafts and starting construction of a surface dry coal-processing complex," said mine director Vladimir Shnel.
The new shafts are meant to supply more fresh air to the underground workings and allow mining to expand. This year the mine received three new tunnelling machines and a conveyor, and specialists are mastering directional drilling technology with Chinese colleagues to prepare new longwalls faster. Another line of work is the reserves of seam D-6, where coking coal for the company's steel production is mined.
What it means: A mine that long stood idle has returned to its former level and is investing in ventilation and processing to raise output.
Who benefits: Qarmet gets its own coking coal for the Karaganda steel plant. Miners get jobs preserved and developed.
Background: Qarmet, formerly ArcelorMittal Temirtau, is Kazakhstan's largest steel plant; the mines of its coal division are in Karaganda region.
