PG SILESIA further increases operational performance. Fully modernized Shaft no.2 is being commissioned for operations.

Fully modernized, state-of-the-art hoisting system will enable PG SILESIA to increase production capacity and further improve operations efficiency. Since 2010, Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), majority owner of PG SILESIA, invested in the company in Czechowice over 750 mln PLN in introducing world class safety and operations standards and boosting efficiency necessary in increasingly competitive market.

The contract to modernize the shaft and hoisting system was signed on Nov 30th 2011. The contractor is a consortium of companies led by SIEMAG-TECBERG.

Modernization of the hoisting system is one of key components of the investment program started in 2010 after takeover Silesia mine by EPH. Beyond introducing fully automated, state of the art technology, modernization also 1.5x increased hoisting capacity. That translates directly into efficiency increase.

PG SILESIA since the moment of take-over by EPH realizes previously set development strategy aiming at increasing operations’ efficiency and safety. These goals can be achieved only when we equip our employees with up-to-date equipment, technology and processes. Commissioning the new hoisting system closes the first stage of our investment program, which, nevertheless, will continue in other areas. In the beginning of 2014 we plan to achieve full extraction capacity – comments Mr. Michal Heřman, Chairman of the Board of PG SILESIA.

As a part of this contract the consortium will also provide maintenance services. The project has been started in beginning of December 2011 by conceptual design, physical refurbishment has been ongoing since February 2012 in parallel with ongoing operations of the company.

Since the acquisition, the EPH has made a number of significant changes which aim was to modernize the mine and increase the safety and comfort of work for miners. All the resources were focused to achieve this target. Until today, the overall investment exceeded the amount of 750 million zlotys, PG SILESIA incurred primarily for the modernization of the mine, the preparatory work for production as well as equipment and new technologies. This included purchase of 4 roadheaders with whole equipment, LW sets, two-stage process of treatment plant modernization, which will be completed at the end of this year, friendly for environment way of enriching fine coal, as well as new underground coal bunker. The equipment which is given by the mine into use is technologically advanced, but just as importantly - provides greater safety, for example by systems of avoiding methane ignition.

The event of putting the shaft no 2 into use was graced by presence of many distinguished guests from politics, science and the mining industry. The new hoisting system, backbone of each mine, has been inaugurated by the Czech Ambassador in Poland, Mr. Jan Sechter. The Governor of Silesia, Mr. Zygmunt Łukaszczyk also participated in the ceremony.

Ewa Szpejna

Director of Communications and PR

Przedsiębiorstwo Górnicze "SILESIA" Sp. z o.o.