Copper producer Kazakhmys Corporation invested in engineering group Sandvik’s wheeled UJ300 crushing unit for its underground copper mining operations. As Kazakhmys was “very impressed” with the productivity and simplicity of operation of the Sandvik mobile jaw crusher, the company has since put five more into operation and is looking to further invest in additional units.

Kazakhmys is the largest copper producer in Kazakhstan, and a leading international company in the field of natural resources, mining, extraction and processing. The company has plants, factories and mines located in Balkhash, Zhezkazgan and Karaganda.

Kazakhmys mines a variety of ores, such as gold, silver and coal, as well as copper, throughout its three sites. Its copper operations are fully integrated from mining through to the production of finished copper cathodes, rods and wire.

It was looking for a reliable partner to supply equipment for its underground operation. Key considerations that needed to be taken into account were electrical operation for low operating costs and reduced emissions, high capacity and the ability to be able to transport the equipment and fit it down the mine shaft.

Sandvik Mobiles’ distributor Korund was in contact with Kazakhmys and discussions were under way as to how it could best fulfil the requirements to meet this tender.

Sandvik’s wheeled range of mobile crushing units was suggested and presented as the most viable option.

Within the range of primary jaw crushers, it was the UJ300, owing to its feed size of up to 630 mm and desired capacity of up to 300 t/h, which met the customer’s requirements.

After delivery and commissioning of the equipment, the unit was dismantled and taken underground. The mine has a total depth of 380 m and the depth from the top level tip point to the bottom is around 80 m.

The copper ore is mined on the “top level” of the mine to a size of 700 mm, which is then transported, using trucks, to the loading point. This then feeds down to the “middle level” where the Sandvik UJ300 is situated.

The UJ300 primary jaw crusher allows Kazakhmys to reduce the size of the material to a more manageable size for transporting, which also, in turn, results in less damage to the conveyor system.

The material is then fed into the Sandvik CJ211 jaw. From here, the material discharges from the UJ300 jaw to the “bottom level” of the mine at a capacity of around 350 t/h.

A conveyor system takes the crushed ore to the surface.

When asked about the main advantages of the UJ300, Kazakhmys says “the crushers work well and are simple to operate and maintain”.

Suitable for a variety of applications, Sandvik’s wheeled range of mobile units are built from a heavy-duty welded frame and have undergone a strength analysis on structural parts for durability. This, combined with quality components, results in a highly productive, cost-effective mobile solution ideal for mining applications.