Block 116–120 is located on the sixth sublevel of the Main Ore Body at a depth of 1,420 meters below sea level. Its estimated balance reserves amount to 31.7 thousand tonnes of iron ore with a high iron content of 59.27%.
Preparation for the launch took more than three months. The ore will be extracted using conventional technology with a scraper winch. The mining and geological conditions at the site are considered standard. The block is expected to be fully developed and the planned volume of ore extracted within two months.
Igor Piltek, Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer of the mine, noted that the company continues to operate amid significant wartime and economic risks. Among the key challenges, he highlighted the threat of shelling, damage to logistics infrastructure, shortages of personnel and energy resources, as well as rising tariffs.
At the same time, Sukha Balka is modernizing its production processes. In particular, in 2026 the company commissioned new highly automated drilling machines. These are expected to improve production efficiency while reducing operational risks for employees.
Another area of modernization is energy efficiency. A solar power plant has been commissioned to supply Frunze Mine. In less than a year of operation, it has generated approximately 2,000 MWh of electricity, providing additional support for the stability of production processes.
According to the company, between January and August 2026, Sukha Balka prepared 10 new production blocks at its two mines.
