Hat-toss at KGHM for the second time: location of the Gaworzyce shaft designated

The beginning of December is marked by celebration of mining traditions at KGHM. This year's celebrations included a unique highlight: the designation of the location of the Gaworzyce shaft. The privilege of designating the symbolic site of the shaft was vested in Zbigniew Bryja, Vice President of the Management Board of KGHM for Development, whose staff will oversee the design and construction of this and the other shafts.  This gesture not only marks the beginning of the works - it is an important moment in the implementation of KGHM’s ambitious investment programme. The Gaworzyce shaft will operate as part of the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Mining Facility. 

‘Following the announced decision to start the construction of three new shafts, we are taking further action. Work on the construction of the first Retków shaft is already underway. Now it is time for Gaworzyce and, in January, for GG-2. Given that mine shaft projects take up to a dozen years to complete, we are increasing the pace of the works. We need to make up time’, said Andrzej Szydło, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. ‘Investing in KGHM means not only a stable future for our region, it is also a guarantee of Poland's independence and raw material security in the coming decades’, added President Szydło.

‘Today we are designating a symbolic location for the construction of the Gaworzyce shaft, where exploratory drillings are about to commence in order to obtain the data necessary for, among other things, the design of the shaft casing and the selection of an appropriate sinking technology. We are planning to start the next stage of work, i.e. the sinking, no later than in 2033’, said Zbigniew Bryja, Vice President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. for Development. ‘The construction of a new mine shaft is a huge challenge, and building three at the same time is a unique test of the competence, planning ability and experience of the teams and companies involved. That is why we have entrusted this task to PeBeKa and Cuprum, which specialise in the comprehensive performance of mining projects and have been actively supporting the development of KGHM for decades’, added Vice President Bryja.

Local strength and experience

The investment projects that have begun mark an important moment for Polish companies in the Copper Belt. The main contractors for the task are PeBeKa S.A. and Cuprum sp. z o.o., both members of the KGHM Group. Research and Development Centre. Coordination of this stage of performance of the investment project is also the responsibility of the Mining Structure Development Department team at the Head Office of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

‘For PeBeKa, participation in this KGHM's strategic investment project is another important step in the implementation of the largest mining projects in the Copper Belt. The symbolic “hat toss” is a beautiful tradition that reminds us that every project begins with a gesture that is full of hope and commitment. Although only a small group of representatives of the investor and the companies implementing the project are present today, this moment is a sign for all of us that work in Gaworzyce is officially beginning. It is here that an exhaust ventilation shaft will be constructed with a planned depth of 1,106 metres, which will play an important role in the future operation of the mine. Building a new facility is not just a technical challenge - it is an investment in the future of the entire region, ensuring safe mining and stable development for decades to come. As the main contractor, we declare our full commitment and professionalism in the implementation of this project’, said Jacek Kulicki, President of the Management Board of PeBeKa S.A. 

Important investment projects underway

In June this year, the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. decided to commence work on the construction of three new shafts: Retków, Gaworzyce and GG-2 'Odra'. Geological and hydrogeological reconnaissance is the first stage in the construction of these key projects for the Company, which will enable the selection of the best sinking technology, as well as the determination of the depth of the frozen rock mass. The new Gaworzyce shaft will be an exhaust ventilation shaft, while the Retków and GG-2 ‘Odra’ shafts will ultimately serve a material transport and access function.