Nordgold’s Irokinda Mine Upgrades Underground Mining Fleet

London, United Kingdom, 23 December 2021 - Nord Gold plc (“Nordgold” or the “Company”), the internationally diversified gold producer, has upgraded the mining fleet at its underground Irokinda mine in Russia to ensure safer and more efficient operations.

A Sandvik DD321, a modern compact, two boom electro-hydraulic mining development drill rig, has already been put into operation at the Tuluinskaya-Medvezhya vein of Irokinda. The mine has also purchased a self-propelled concrete sprayer, Spraymec SF 040, and a self-contained cable-bolting rig, Sandvik DS421. These will be used in one unit at the Serebryakovskaya vein. These machineries are new to the Irokinda mine meaning the manufacturers have conducted mine specific maintenance training on site for mine employees.

In addition to the underground mining fleet, the Irokinda mine has modernised its auxiliary equipment and machinery. This includes a fire truck and two new shift buses which have been purchased.

"We are delighted to add this new versatile, reliable equipment into our mining operations at Irokinda. The drill rig has two booms and is capable of developing capital declines, cross-cut drives and drilling holes for bolting support. The design of the cab with a height-adjustable shields allows its operator to benefit from clear sightlines and further supports safe working conditions. This jumbo provides safe, smooth drilling and will improve the efficiency of our mine." Sergey KamendanovHead of underground mining operations at the Irokinda mine


"The Sandvik DS421 is a drill rig that has been specifically engineered for rock reinforcement in underground mines. It enables the full bolting cycle to be operated by one person working safely under the canopy. The Spraymec SF 040 concrete sprayer supports and stabilises tunnels applying concrete, layer by layer under very high pressure, enabling us to fill even the smallest cracks and pores. Ultimately these machines will enable us to maintain and improve our high standards of safety and ensure the mine is kept in excellent condition. These additions to the mining fleet and its world class performance achieved in 2021 will ensure sustainable mining performance at Irokinda in 2022 and beyond.” Nikolai GordeyevChief Mechanic at the Irokinda mine

About Irokinda Mine

Irokinda is an underground gold mine located in the Muysky district of the Republic of Buryatia in Russia in 75 kilometres from the town of Taksimo, where the Baikal-Amur railroad station and airport are located, and is accessible from an all-season road. The mine supports more than 700 jobs.

About Nordgold

Nordgold is an international gold mining company producing over 1 million ounces of gold per year and employing 7,800 staff, managing nine production locations (in Russia, Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso and Guinea) as well as a number of prospecting projects in Eurasia, West Africa, North and South America. Since its foundation in 2007, the company has consolidated its status as a global leader in the construction of large-scale, industry-benchmark gold mining assets while also proving its commitment to the principles of sustainable development, cooperation with local communities and responsible treatment of the environment. Since 2013, Nordgold has built three gold mining locations, including Bissa and Bouly in Burkina Faso and Gross in Russia.

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Nordgold Communications

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Spraymec SF 040, a self-propelled concrete sprayer
Spraymec SF 040, a self-propelled concrete sprayer
Sandvik DS42, a self-contained cable-bolting rig
Sandvik DS42, a self-contained cable-bolting rig
Sandvik DD321, two boom electro-hydraulic mining development drill rig
Sandvik DD321, two boom electro-hydraulic mining development drill rig

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Corporate Communications
Procurement Department