ERG, BAUER launch world's first vertical bauxite mining project to unlock deeper reserves

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Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), in partnership with German engineering partner BAUER, has launched what is being described as the world's first vertical bauxite mining project, marking a technological milestone in bauxite extraction.

The project has been commissioned at open pit No. 4 of the Vostochno-Ayatskoye mine, operated by the Krasno-Oktyabrskoye Bauxite Mining Unit (KBRU) of Aluminium of Kazakhstan JSC, an ERG subsidiary. Commercial drilling commenced in June 2026 after BAUER representatives formally handed over the equipment with a symbolic key.

The vertical extraction technique will complement conventional open-pit mining by enabling the recovery of deep-seated bauxite reserves in previously mined areas where traditional methods are either technically challenging or economically unviable because of the large volumes of overburden that would need to be removed.

The project uses a BAUER BG 45 heavy-duty hydraulic rotary drilling rig weighing 133 tonnes and powered by a 580 hp (433 kW) engine. Equipped with a telescopic Kelly bar and a bucket auger, the rig is capable of selectively extracting bauxite from depths of up to 100 metres without the use of explosives.

"The vertical mining project is an important strategic step for the Aluminium Division. The new technology helps cut costs and significantly reduces the volume of overburden removal. We can extract ore with greater precision, manage the quality of raw materials more effectively and develop sites that used to be uneconomical. We are the first in the world to apply this technology in bauxite mining," said Ivan Lobanov, Chief Mining Engineer at Aluminium of Kazakhstan JSC.

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According to the company, the technology is expected to unlock an additional 12 million tonnes of hard-to-reach bauxite reserves over the next decade. This is anticipated to extend the life of the mine while ensuring a stable supply of raw materials to the Pavlodar Aluminium Plant.

"The deposits developed by KBRU have a complex geological structure, which is why deep mining is becoming increasingly costly. Vertical extraction allows us to maintain the required production rate and use available resources more efficiently. This is an example of how modern technologies help improve mining efficiency and support the stable operation of the enterprise," said KBRU Operations Director, Ruslan Aslyamov.

The project is also notable because BAUER BG drilling rigs were originally designed for foundation construction and geotechnical applications. Aluminium of Kazakhstan specialists, working together with BAUER engineers, have adapted the equipment for commercial bauxite mining.

Ore extraction is currently being carried out using both conventional and vertical mining methods in parallel at the VAM-4 open pit. KBRU personnel are also receiving hands-on training from BAUER engineers as part of preparations for the wider deployment of the technology.

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