Mining and processing operations commenced in 2007 on time and on budget.

In addition to the Bakhmut open pit, which was originally used for bulk sampling and metallurgical test work, mining operations were expanded by the excavation of a further 4 open pits: two in the Yuzhnaya zone, one in the Promezhutochnaya zone, and one in the Andreevskaya zone.

In preparation for the start of processing in 2008, 1.1 million tonnes of ore were extracted using an earthmoving fleet comprised of 2 EKG5 electric shovels, 3 Caterpillar 330 diesel shovels, 3 Caterpillar D9 bulldozers and a truck fleet of 19 haultrucks (Volvo, Caterpillar and Belaz) with capacity of between 30 and 38t.

Waste material excavated from the pits was used in the construction of haulroads.