Murmansk Regional Mining Complex Unveils New Projects

The 13th International Mining Conference, Barents-Arctic Economic Partnership (BAEP-2024), held in Kirovsk, focused on advancing key enterprises in the region and tackling the critical workforce shortage in the industry.

“The highlight of the event was the 95th anniversary of the Apatit plant,” shared Ivan Shunyakov, Head of the Ore Crushing and Sorting Department. “Plans were announced to develop the Rasvumchorr, Eastern, and especially the Kirov mines. By 2025, the Kirov mine aims to reach an ambitious production capacity of 25 million tons of ore annually.”

In addition, PhosAgro, in collaboration with the Russian Academy of Sciences, inaugurated a research center dedicated to improving the efficiency of apatite-nepheline ore processing.

SZFK outlined major expansion plans for the underground mine at the Oleniy Ruchey mining and processing complex. The third phase of its crushing and conveyor complex is under construction and expected to be completed by Q4 2024, enabling an annual output of 6 million tons of ore.

Olkon revealed a 15-year development roadmap centered around three quarries: Olenegorsk, Komsomolsky, and Pechegubsky. Over the next three years, the mining and processing plant plans to increase ore extraction by 40% and double iron ore concentrate production by 2027.

Shunyakov also emphasized the pressing need for skilled personnel to support the region's industrial growth.

With the backing of the Murmansk Arctic University branch, BELAZ is training specialists in secondary vocational education to maintain and operate their machinery. Olkon has also partnered with the university’s Apatit branch to launch the "Engineering Classes" program, providing students with tailored training, courses, and on-site experiences to prepare future professionals.

Additionally, the university plans to establish a significant branch in Apatity to train a highly qualified workforce tailored to the region's industrial demands.