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Thyssen Schachtbau’s ongoing involvement in EuroChem’s Gremyachinski shaft construction project

In the current edition of Thyssen Mining Report 2010 we reported in some detail on the freeze shaft sinking project being undertaken for the Russian mineral and chemicals company MCC EuroChem OJSC (EuroChem).

The global financial crisis has now had an impact on this extremely challenging and difficult freeze-shaft project: falling raw-materials prices have compelled EuroChem to make cost savings and the need to complete the shaft within the shortest possible time no longer has top priority for the client. EuroChem has now decided to deploy its own personal and resources as far as possible for carrying out the shaft sinking work, though remains committed to continuing its long-standing collaboration and strategic partnership with Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH.

The awarding of such major shaft construction projects for new mines to foreign companies has been without precedent in Russia over the last 80 years. It is worth noting that when the project commenced in 2008 EuroChem was using the services of four large overseas contractors, namely the Canadian engineering consultants Hatch, the South African firm Shaft Sinkers (Pty) Ltd, the Belarusian project company Belgorkhimprom and Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH.

The Gremyachinski potash project is to be EuroChem’s first deep mining operation and the company is now intensively engaged in developing further potash mining operations inside and outside Russia. This includes the construction of potash mines in the Perm region and in the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within a period of seven months, from 12.02.2009 to 27.08.2009, a total of 48 freeze holes of 8½“ diameter and 520 m deep were drilled for the Gremyachinski production shaft sinking. This represents a total drilling depth of nearly 26,000 m within a target circle of 1.2 m per hole. The operation involved the use of the latest directional drilling and surveying technology (the MWD system), along with the extraction of core samples section by section from depths of between 157 and 529.5 m using a wireline coring system. A total of 150 m of rock cores were drilled in this way for the follow-up investigations that would play such a key role in the subsequent ground freezing phase.

The drilling operation continued around the clock and not a single on-site accident was recorded among the drilling crew. As many as 50 employees were engaged at the site during the drilling operation, of which 20 were from the local town of Pyemeno Tcherni. The Russian workers, who soon became an integral part of the team, proved to be highly motivated and were quick to familiarise themselves with the operation of the technically demanding drilling equipment.

Working with the Russian mining authorities, independent consultants, certification bodies and Russian customs officials has proved to be a successful and positive experience to date. As a German company operating in the Russian market the experience we have acquired has helped us to strengthen our competitive position.

The current cooperation with EuroChem at the Gremyachinski production shaft involves the execution and control of the freeze operation and the delivery and assembly of the sinking equipment.

Thyssen Schachtbau’s technical expertise, combined with the commitment, training and adaptability of its workforce, are the key to the company’s long-term partnership prospects with EuroChem.

EuroChem is also keen to involve Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH as a consultant and contractor for other shaft construction projects being planned by this growing chemicals company. There is great demand for our capabilities in areas such as technical planning, freeze-hole drilling, machine delivery, the operation of freeze plant and sinking equipment, as well as project management and logistics.

Thyssen Schachtbau has already demonstrated a high degree of technical know-how and flexibility, combined with high work-safety standards, when operating in the Russian market. We are convinced that our successful involvement with EuroChem mining projects will continue to benefit both parties in the years ahead.

Mülheim an der Ruhr, April 2010