Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Company has inaugurated a major new facility at the Zarmitan underground gold deposit: a 1,000-meter-deep vertical skip shaft with a 6.5-meter diameter – the first of its kind in Uzbekistan’s mining history. This development is part of NMMC’s broader Investment program, which includes multiple strategic projects aimed at expanding and modernizing the company’s gold ore production capabilities.

The new shaft significantly increases ore hoisting capacity, reduces operating costs, and has already resulted in the creation of 90 new jobs. Once in full operation, the shaft will deliver approximately 1.4 million tonnes of ore annually to Processing Plant №4. The estimated annual economic impact from the project is UZS 19.2 billion (approx. USD 1.5 million).[1].

[1] Calculated using the Central Bank of Uzbekistan exchange rate for 30/04/2025 (1 USD – 12 933.16 soums)

As noted by Atabek Ravshanov, NMMC Chief Engineer: “The skip shaft is a vertical mine shaft specifically designed for hoisting ore from underground workings to the surface. Its main function is to enable fast, efficient, and safe transport of mined material. At Zarmitan, ore from various underground levels is now gathered at the +240 m level, from which it is centrally hoisted to the surface.

The successful commissioning of this shaft represents not only a technological advancement but also a landmark for Uzbekistan’s mining and metallurgical sector — a true example of modern engineering. Embracing cutting-edge technologies remains one of our core priorities going forward”.

This project includes two shafts: the skip shaft and the cage shaft. The skip shaft is equipped with two 20-ton ore bins, designed exclusively for hoisting ore to the surface. The cage shaft facilitates personnel transport and equipment delivery across multiple underground levels, including: +0.00 m, +60 m, +120 m, +180 m, +240 m, +270 m, +300 m, +360 m, +420 m and +480 m.

Both shafts are fitted with advanced information and communication systems. Operations are controlled from a centralized operator station, enabling real-time monitoring of production processes and precise tracking of hoisting operations through automated data analytics. The system is also designed to detect and prevent operational anomalies via early warning alarms and diagnostic protocols, ensuring a high level of safety and reliability.

The project was delivered through the collaboration of Mine Construction Alliance s.r.o (Czech Republic), NMMC, the Southern Mining Administration, and construction teams from the Zarafshan Construction Department and Promelektromontazh Trust, with technical support from specialists from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The Press Service of the Company