Irtyshsky is an operating underground mine exploiting a polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit of average size and grade. The mineralisation is of lenses with extensive strike extents but more limited down-dip persistence. There are three principal ore bodies: Main, South East, No 2. Irtyshsky Principal Orebodies: Main: - Orebody Strike length - 2,500 m; - Down-dip length - 750 m; - Thickness - 3.5 m. South East: - Orebody Strike length - 3,000 m; - Down-dip length - 400 m; - Thickness - 2.7 m. No 2: - Orebody Strike length - 1,600 m; - Down-dip length - 300 m; - Thickness - 1.35 m. The orebodies pitch slightly to the NW with their long axes roughly parallel. The average strike of the Irtyshsky ore body is NW-SE and the dip of the ore body is steep to sub-vertical (70-80°). The ore body is gently folded with secondary thickening of the ore lenses in the fold axes. The copper and zinc grades increase with increasing depth from surface.

Labour intensive shrinkage stoping is used with high ore dilution (32%). Some sublevel caving and room and pillar mining is also conducted. Jackleg drills and slushers are used for mining with rail haulage to the ore pass leading to a jaw crusher. Hoisting in a 650 m deep shaft is conducted with 10 t skips.

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