One of the largest strategic investment projects in the history of the country's copper industry – the construction of Copper Processing Plant-3 – is being implemented in phases at Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex. One of the key infrastructure facilities of the new complex is the tailing dump, whose construction is proceeding at an accelerated pace using modern engineering solutions.

On 16 March of this year, in the presence of the head of state, the project's practical implementation was officially launched. Three contractors, approximately 300 units of specialized equipment, and hundreds of engineers and qualified specialists are currently involved in the construction works. Works are organized round the clock and without interruption. To date, approximately 60% of the construction works have been completed.

Construction quality is strictly monitored at every stage. Each laid layer is first verified using geodetic measurements to ensure compliance with design elevations. Laboratory specialists then collect samples and check their density, moisture content, and other technical characteristics in accordance with design requirements. This ensures the strength and safety of the structure, as well as its reliable operation over a long period.

According to the specialists, the tailings storage facility is designed in accordance with international engineering standards. Modern technologies are being implemented at the facility, ensuring environmental safety, efficient resource use, and high structural reliability.

One of the most important advantages of the facility is its water recycling system. After settling, the water used in the flotation process is returned to the process via special floating pumping stations. This innovative solution is the first in the Complex history. This ensures efficient use of water resources and significantly reduces the volume of water withdrawn from natural sources.

To ensure environmental safety, the bottom of the tailing dump and its key sections will be protected with a high-strength geomembrane. This technology prevents process water from penetrating into the soil and ensures reliable groundwater protection. Additionally, dedicated monitoring wells will be installed for regular monitoring of seepage water.

Relocation of existing engineering services lines is currently underway at the second tailing dump site located approximately 7 kilometers from the plant in the northwestern part of the Kurama Ridge. The area of ​​the first tailing dump site is 1,420 hectares, and the second site is 1,380 hectares. The total area of ​​the facility is approximately 2,800 hectares.

The tailing dump is an integral part of the process chain of Copper Processing Plant-3. Process waste generated after the flotation process will be transported to the tailing dump via the special hydrotransport system approximately 9 kilometers long. The facility's design capacity allows for the safe and continuous storage of up to 300 million cubic meters of tailings per year, over 59 million tons of which is solids.

All the processes will be controlled by a digital control system. Data will be analyzed in real time at the central control center, ensuring process stability. This will allow to improve production efficiency, prevent potential malfunctions, and enable prompt management decisions.

The tailings storage facility being built for MOF-3 is not only an important part of the technological infrastructure but also a strategic facility that combines environmental safety requirements, rational water use, and modern engineering solutions.

Primarily, the implementation of this project will increase the Complex production capacity, boost the output of export-oriented copper products, and expand the use of digital technologies and advanced environmental solutions. All of this will contribute to elevating the competitiveness of the country's mining industry to a new level.

Information Service