Norilsk, July 27. Norda, a mechanised tunnelling complex, has begun excavation at the Taimyrsky Mine in Norilsk. The complex will be used to mine high-grade ore from the Severnaya-4 orebody.
Norda's cutterhead at the Taimyrsky Mine: the rotor mechanically breaks hard ore, enabling excavation without drilling and blasting.Norda is a 160-metre-long, approximately 700-tonne tunnelling complex. Its cutting head mechanically breaks the rock, creating a 5.53-metre-diameter tunnel.
The technology eliminates the need for drill-and-blast excavation. Instead of a series of blasts, the machine continuously cuts the rock and advances using hydraulic grippers. This reduces vibration impacts on the rock mass and prevents blast-related damage to the surrounding rock.
Norda was developed for use in hard-rock conditions. Previously, similar machines were primarily used in tunnel construction and in salt or coal formations. The project is being implemented jointly with Mining Technology Industry and Robbins. The technology has been under development for more than a decade.
Alexander Leonov, Vice President and Director of Nornickel's Polar Division:
"Today we are launching a project that is unique for the mining industry. This type of equipment has not previously been used in hard ore. Norda offers us a new approach to mine development - one that is more technologically advanced, safer and more controllable."
The complex is equipped with an electric drive and a digital control system. Operating parameters, equipment condition, productivity and downtime are transmitted to the surface in real time. In the future, the technology will enable further automation of underground operations and reduce the need for personnel to work directly at the face.
A dedicated chamber was prepared at Taimyrsky for Norda's assembly. About 300 tonnes of auxiliary equipment and spare parts were also delivered to Norilsk, while the personnel assigned to operate the complex completed the required training.
The complex is designed to advance at up to 500 metres per month, with further growth potential. In 2026, Nornickel plans to mine 150,000 tonnes of ore using Norda; ultimately, the complex's output could reach 500,000 tonnes per year.