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Mechel OAO Announces Work Suspension at New-Olzherasskaya Mine
09/07/2010 - Mechel OAO announced that mining operations are currently suspended at New-Olzherasskaya Underground mine—part of Southern Kuzbass OAO, Mechel’s coal mining subsidiary—due to coal self-heating that occurred in mid-August in the long wall face No. 21-1-7.
Mechel OAO announced that mining operations are currently suspended at New-Olzherasskaya Underground mine—part of Southern Kuzbass OAO, Mechel’s coal mining subsidiary—due to coal self-heating that occurred in mid-August in the long wall face No. 21-1-7.
Southern Kuzbass OAO experts developed measures to prevent possible negative consequences of this accident. The production area is temporally isolated. Specialists constantly gather information about gas concentration in the isolated area by means of remote sampling as well as through surface drill holes. The production area is being fed with inert foam and inert materials.
The self-heating center is currently being isolated. The entire mine infrastructure—transport, ventilation system, dewatering, power facilities, drifting faces and stopes—is in working condition and safe, the company notes.
Mechel says that the suspension will not cause delay in coal deliveries to customers since there is enough coal at the New-Olzherasskaya Underground mine warehouse. Coal from the warehouse together with coal from Olzherasskiy Open Pit is being washed by Kuzbasskaya Coal Washing Plant and delivered to customers.
According to the preliminary estimates, elimination of the accident may take up to 6 months.
Miners from New-Olzherasskaya Underground mine are taking part in the recovery work; some employees were moved to Sibirginskaya mine and Department for Mining Equipment Installation.
New-Olzherasskaya Underground mine, commissioned on September 29, 2006, produces coal of GZhO grade. The long wall face No. 21-1-7 was launched at the beginning of May 2010. Its coal reserves amount to 3 million tonnes and length is about 200 meters.
Mechel is one of the leading Russian mining and steel companies. Its business includes four segments: mining, steel, ferroalloy and power. The company unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, nickel, steel, ferrochrome, ferrosilicon, rolled products, hardware, heat and electric power. Its products are marketed domestically and internationally.
