Mechel, one of the leading Russian mining and steel groups, has announced that, following the collapse of three thickeners at the Nerungrinskaya washing plant of Yakutugol, the subsidiary of Mechel Mining, it has been forced to halt the operation at the plant's coking coal wash shop.
Work has been launched at the site to restore heat and energy supply. Meanwhile, the technological line processing steam coal is operating as scheduled and, accordingly, there will be no delays in supply to energy enterprises.
In order to load the plant's steam coal processing lines more efficiently, the overburden and extraction plans for the Nerungrinsky open pit are being reconsidered. The group plans to step up extraction, processing and shipping of the SS-grade steam coal, which is in steady demand.
The accident at the Nerungrinskaya washing plant occurred on December 26 with three thickeners out of 30 collapsing at the plant's washing shop. There were no casualties or injuries.