EuroChem - Volgakaly

Location: Kotelnikovsky District, Volgogradskaya Region, Russia

Client: EuroChem

The project is aimed at accessing deep-seated deposits of potash salts on the Gremiachinskoye deposit in the Kotelnikovsky District of the Volgogradskaya Region of Russia. These potash salts are used in the manufacturing of fertilisers and other chemicals.

Having started in August 2008, this project required the sinking and lining of a 7.0m diameter shaft which will have a final depth of 1157m. The first 80m is done using a "Herrenknecht" machine. The design of the concrete lining varies at different depths to accommodate changes in the geomorphologic characteristics of the ground. The project will culminate with the construction and equipping of the shaft with conveyances to hoist people and other cargoes to and from workings underground, and will also act as a return air shaft for an adjacent shaft and workings underground.