KGHM plans to construct new shafts to support the deepening of copper mining operations as they expand their extraction area.
KGHM Polska MiedΕΊ, a leading copper mining company in Poland, is preparing to build new shafts, namely RetkΓ³w, Gaworzyce, and GG-2 'Odra', to facilitate their expansion of mining operations. With current extraction depths reaching 1300 meters, the conditions for workers have considerably changed, necessitating the construction of these new shafts to ensure both safety and productivity. The company's vice president, Zbigniew Bryja, highlights that as they delve deeper into the earth, the temperatures increase significantly, thereby altering air quality and necessitating new infrastructure to maintain efficient operations.
Historically, when KGHM began its mining activities in the 1960s, the depths of its mines were between 650 and 700 meters. Currently, the operational depths have increased, resulting in temperatures around 45Β°C, making it imperative to find new ways to ensure proper air circulation for workers in these deeper sections. The construction of additional shafts will not only enhance working conditions but also extend the operational lifespan of the mine, which is projected to continue extraction even past 2060.
KGHM's strategy reflects a broader trend in the mining industry where companies must adapt their operations to deeper and more extreme environments. The development of these new shafts is a critical investment not just for immediate productivity, but for the long-term viability of KGHM's mining operations in Poland, highlighting the ongoing importance of copper in the global market.
