Central Mining updates conveyor gearboxes at crushing plant

The Central Mining and Processing Plant (Central Mining) is continuing its program to modernize the drive gearboxes of its conveyors. The main goal is to replace components that have reached the end of their service life with modern and more reliable equivalents. This will prevent emergency shutdowns, maintain a stable production rhythm, and ensure personnel safety. This is stated in a report by Metinvest.Media.

The program began two years ago with the overhaul of the main and auxiliary gearboxes of the K-2 main conveyor, which is the factory’s key transport line. The plant has planned two more replacements for 2025. One of the gearboxes is currently undergoing major repairs, after which it will return to operation. The other has already been replaced with a new production system from the German company SEW-EURODRIVE – this is the third joint project between the factory and this supplier.

“A brand new European-made drive system with a gearbox will finally replace the outdated equipment. It is installed on the largest M-1 conveyor, which transports ore between the second and third stages of crushing,” explained Anton Milkevich, deputy head of the factory’s engineering department.

According to chief mechanic Sergiy Mokhtan, the new gearbox weighs only five tons, while the old set weighed 15 tons, which significantly complicated installation and maintenance. At the same time, the equipment is notable for its power, reliability, and ease of operation in difficult production conditions.

The last of the five gearboxes is scheduled to be replaced in 2026. Thus, the modernization will make it possible to completely renew the key components of the crushing plant’s conveyors, increasing the efficiency and safety of the enterprise.

It should be noted that over the past year, the Central Mining has increased its production capacity and ended the year at almost 100% capacity utilization. In particular, the Kolachevsky Mine has reached its planned productivity. In addition, the enterprise has been actively working to reduce energy consumption and production costs by introducing innovative energy-efficient technologies.