Qarmet is implementing a project to build a dry coal enrichment complex at the Shakhtinskaya mine, a first in the history of the Karaganda coal basin. This innovation will be part of a large-scale program to modernize coal production, according to infohub.kz.
The main goal of the complex is to improve coal quality directly at the extraction site, before it is transported to the Central Enrichment Factory "Vostochnaya". Currently, rock is brought up along with the coal, and a significant portion of it has to be transported and separated at the factory. The new technology will allow removing excess rock right at the mine.
As a result, higher-quality coal will enter the production chain, reducing unnecessary transportation, easing the load on enrichment equipment, and increasing the efficiency of production capacities.
The complex is based on modern dry air separation technology. Coal and rock are separated using an air stream, without water or chemical reagents. This eliminates the formation of sludge and wastewater, reduces operating costs, and minimizes environmental impact. The new complex will have a capacity of about 300 tons of coal per hour.
The technological chain is simple: mined coal enters a receiving pit, is crushed, and then goes to dry enrichment. After separation, the cleaned coal is sent for further processing, while the separated rock is sent to a waste dump.
Currently, the facility is taking shape: the frames of the crushing plant and the dry enrichment building have been installed, five technological galleries have been assembled, and conveyor equipment is being mounted. A crusher and separator have been installed, along with a dispatch center that will serve as the single control point for the complex, as well as a transformer for power supply.
"We are introducing a technology new to the Karaganda coal basin and effectively moving the first stage of enrichment directly to the extraction site. Our task is to separate coal from excess rock as early as possible and then work with higher-quality raw material. This is an important part of the technological modernization of our mines," said Vasily Barabanov, Deputy Chief Engineer for Capital Construction at the Shakhtinskaya mine.
Currently, about 90 people are involved in the construction, and another 15 specialists are engaged in installing technological equipment. Ahead are the installation of pipelines and engineering systems, the construction of external networks, completion of roofing work, and cladding of buildings.
Shakhtinskaya is just part of a larger program. Qarmet is implementing dry enrichment complexes at four mines: Shakhtinskaya, Kazakhstanskaya, Abayskaya, and the mine named after T. Kuzembaev.
The project reflects the company's overall approach to developing its coal division: modernizing mines, introducing new technologies, and increasing automation and production efficiency. Qarmet is consistently upgrading infrastructure and equipment to improve coal quality, reduce costs, and refine the entire technological chain—from extraction to processing.
Dry enrichment is becoming another example of how modern technologies are coming directly to the mines of the Karaganda coal basin, transforming traditional production processes and setting a new standard for coal mining efficiency.