IOC 2023 Platinum donor
Čukaru Peki – leader of the innovation and first green mine in Serbia
The company Serbia Zijin Mining is part of the large multinational mining group Zijin Mining, a world-renowned producer of copper, gold, zinc and lithium, and one of the first Chinese mining corporations that, with its activities outside the borders of China, achieved a great impact on global development in accordance with the initiative “Belt and Road”.
Čukaru Peki mine Mineral processing plant and decline
It has been operating in Serbia since January 2019, when it took over the shares of the Canadian company Nevsun Resources and became the new owner of one of the richest ore deposits, Čukaru Peki. From a research company, it quickly grew into a real mining company. Construction of the main plants and accompanying mining facilities, during which the process technology, industrial equipment and technical performance indicators were set at a high international level, lasted two years, and production began in 2021. Thanks to the design, construction and optimization of the high standard process, production results of the “Čukaru Peki” mine became visible in less than a year and company two years in a row, ranked on a first place on the list of the biggest Serbian exporters.
By choosing the most innovative technological solutions, the most important foundations of green mining were laid, which, along with safety and protection at work, emphasize an ecologically sustainable production process that strives to zero pollution. From the very beginning of work, the mine has been successively carrying out afforestation and greening. Company plan is implementing of renewable energy sources, by building solar energy plant, as one of the priorities of every ecologically oriented company dedicated to environmental protection. Company is also focused to the building of harmonious relations with the local community and employment of young and professional people, including numerous engineers who graduated from the Technical Faculty in Bor.
Unique sustainable green mining circular zero pollution working system
The company is the owner of the copper and gold ore deposit in Bor and the first green mine in Serbia – Čukaru Peki, which moved the boundaries in mining industry in terms of technologies and standards applied in the ore mining process.
Except modern equipped plants and facilities, the basis of green mining in Čukaru Peki mine was established by unique working system who has introduced new, modern methods of ore mining, by excavating chambers with subsequent filling with a tailings mixture. Company also has unique ventilation system, drainage system for circular use of technical water, without discharge it into nature and closed ore transport system of conveyor belts which prevent the blowing of dust in the air.
As most modern mine, Čukaru Peki has an organized traffic network with light signaling, mobile signal and 4G network, fixed telephony, who enables smooth communication underground. For security reasons whole mining area is covered by video surveillance, monitored from the central dispatch center.
High ecological standards
Čukaru Peki mine has an Upper Zone, where exploitation is carried out and a Lower Zone, where exploration works are ongoing. Since the ore body is deeply positioned shafts and declines were opened and adopted methods of excavation in horizontal bands from the bottom up and of subexcavation of chambers with subsequent filling. The process of thickening the tailings, which is used for filling of underground chambers, is carried out in the unique Back filling station plant, the only one of its kind in Serbia and Balkan. By using a high percentage of tailings in the backfilling process, the deposition of waste material on the surface is prevented and the soil collapse is prevented. Also, the tailings of copper and pyrite are provided with an impermeable foil and covered with water, in order to prevent the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere. In the mineral processing plant, the internationally advanced “SAB” process and the flotation system developed by the company itself are used for crushing and grinding. The flotation capacity is processing around 10,000 tons of ore per day. In the production process, copper concentrate is obtained as the final product. During processing only electricity is used and no harmful gases are emitted into the air.
World class mine
By applying the best practices in mining and the use of modern technologies, the desire is to ensure the long-term successful operation of the company, which will, while respecting established standards, follow quality work, sustainable growth and development. Through a good example of the construction of the “Green Mine”, the goal is for Serbia Zijin Mining to become the leading European mining company in terms of: low carbon emissions, green ecology, social responsibility, health, safety and sustainable development, and that investments of 678 million US dollars, continues in the future. According to company strategy, main goal is to build the first “green mine” in Serbia and to reach a leading level around European mining companies, which is also in line with Serbian philosophy of “Green Agenda”. To build a “garden-like” green mine, will balance mining development with ecological preservation, strive to achieve zero wastewater discharge and carry out all-round ecological remediation. Aim is to work to foster harmony between mine development and the environment, so as to develop mines with a world-class environment.
Social responsibility and safety
The motto of the company Serbia Zijin Mining, aimed at the welfare of local communities, citizens, society and the state, is “Mining for a better society”. As a leader in innovation in terms of technology, whose function is to preserve and improve the environment, the company Serbia Zijin Mining strives wholeheartedly to contribute to the development of mining in Serbia by moving the framework in the work of the mining industry, and to place the Čukaru Peki mine in the first place among the most successful European and world copper and gold producers. Company is committed to establish and maintain a harmonious relationship of trust with community. Till now, it realized many important projects supporting infrastructural, health, educational, cultural, sport development but also all other fields, providing better life for employees, their families and all citizens of Bor. With the further development of the lower zone of the mine, in which close to 3.8 billion dollars will be invested, it is expected that the company’s contribution to the city of Bor and the country of Serbia will be even greater.
