Norilsk Nickel has unveiled details of a major new mining development in Russia, with the firm opening the new project to tender. The Russian pgm giant has announced an open tender for the design and construction of a ventilation shaft at the Skalisty Mine. Located in the Taimyr Peninsula, the Polar Division operated mine is aiming to produce 65,000 mt of electrolytic nickel during the first six months of the year.

In a statement Norilsk told Platts: "The planned complex is a major component of Norilsk's intentions to continue developing mining operations in the region on an ongoing basis." The key component of the project is a vertical shaft, descending over two kilometers, which will provide exhaust ventilation and hoisting capacity for manpower, equipment, materials and rock at the Skalisty mine.

The Russian pgm giant says it is looking to boost its nickel output with the new facility, as it aims to ramp up annual production from 239,000 tonnes in 2003 to more than 245,000 tonnes this year.

Pgm are a byproduct of the Skalisty mine, which is is being managed by the Komsomolsky operation, currently building up to full production and expected to be around 1 million tonnes per annum of pgm-rich massive sulphide ore.

For more information about Russian pgm production click here.