If 3.7 million linear meters of drilling operations were performed at the mine in 2025, then by the end of this year this figure is planned to increase to more than 7.8 million linear meters. Such high growth rates of drilling operations allow timely mining operations to be carried out on the northern, southern and eastern sides of the Muruntau quarry and further increase the volume of mining.

To date, the drilling rigs available at the mine are being gradually replaced with modern high-performance Epiroc brands. This installation is capable of performing an average of 500 linear meters of drilling operations per day.

- As a result of the deepening of the Muruntau quarry, the rock mass in the lower layers is much harder. When drilling in such difficult mining and geological conditions, Epiroc drilling rigs demonstrate high efficiency. This equipment is equipped with automated and digital systems and is fully integrated into the existing mine control system. This allows you to remotely monitor the workflow in real time. Heating, cooling, air purification and video surveillance systems are installed in the driver's cabin. Specialists of the hydraulic equipment repair shop No. 1 of the mine can independently carry out maintenance of these installations," said Utkir Tursunov, head of the drilling site No. 2 of the Muruntau mine.

Currently, 11 such modern drilling rigs are used at the mine. As part of the implementation of the investment project "Development of the Muruntau quarry, stage V, stage II", it is planned to supply more similar equipment.

Press service of NMMC JSC.