KGHM on the safety of the Żelazny Most at an international conference

The latest technologies, expert knowledge, experience and high standards - the operation of the Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility was discussed at the 19th International Technical Conference on Dams Control.

The conference provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience and the latest developments of professionals from around the world. This year's edition was dominated by the safety issues of wet tailings TSFs and other hydro-technical structures. Among the experts were representatives of KGHM, who shared their knowledge. One of the technical sessions was entirely devoted to the operation of the Tailings Division. This is the 25th anniversary of the KGHM Division which manages the Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility.

"The phenomenon of Żelazny Most - its size, but also its importance in the production process of KGHM, makes the operation of this facility of interest to experts from all over the world. The efficiency and safety of the facility is our absolute priority. We have original solutions, experienced experts among our employees and the opinions of authorities in the industry," says Dariusz Świderski, KGHM Vice-President for Production.

Żelazny Most is the best monitored copper ore TSF in Europe, receiving waste from ore enrichment plants located at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.’s three mines. The facility is located in Lower Silesia, east of Polkowice near Rudna. Together with the so-called Southern Quarter currently being added to the main facility, it will cover an area of over 2,000 hectares. The TSF is surrounded on all sides by earthen dams with a total length of more than 20 km and a height of up to 70 m.

The TSF is continuously monitored - several thousand control and measurement points are installed around the facility.

The next phase of construction of the Southern Quarter of the Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility is now nearing completion. This means that in the near future KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. will begin storing waste in the completed TSF. When expanded by the Southern Quarter, it will be the largest and best monitored facility in Europe and one of the largest in the world.