Research, development, innovation - KGHM ZANAM designs 'green'

Machines with low-emission drives, electrification and automation of processes - KGHM ZANAM S.A. relies on innovative technologies which meet both safety and energy transition requirements. Designers at KGHM are working on new versions of transport trucks designed for underground work.

"KGHM ZANAM S.A. is one of Poland's largest manufacturers of machinery and equipment for the mining sector. The company's design office continually seeks and implements new solutions and develops existing products. One example is the new version of the Zanper 2.0. electric vehicle with a chassis of its own design. This is 100% the result of the work of KGHM's engineering staff," said Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

Towards electromobility

Engineers at KGHM ZANAM S.A. are following the global trend of electromobility. The company is currently testing the ZANPER 2.0 transport vehicle, a mining vehicle unique in Poland, powered by an electric motor utilising a set of batteries, dedicated to operating in non-explosive underground mines. ZANPER 2.0 is designed to operate in extreme environmental conditions in mines, particularly in KGHM mines. Its versatility allows it to transport people (up to 14 persons) including victims from accident sites, as well as transporting materials. The vehicle's chassis and body have been fully designed and built from scratch by KGHM ZANAM S.A. The ZANPERA 2.0 project is co-financed by NCRD - National Centre for Research and Development.

Electric vehicles at KGHM, are not just carriages for transporting people. Currently, there are more than 40 battery-powered blast trucks in operation at KGHM's mines, and an electric-powered HT24E shuttle truck is also under development as an alternative to the machines currently in use. The use of these vehicles will improve working conditions for miners in the future by increasing the efficiency of the engines and reducing heat and exhaust emissions.

Energy from green sources

Owned by KGHM, the company is consistently pursuing activities related to obtaining green energy from renewable sources. In 2020, a photovoltaic power plant located at the Legnica plant was commissioned, which powers the foundry and the production of structures and equipment.

Currently, the power plant covers more than 50% of the annual energy requirements of the Legnica plant. Electricity production last year was 3.7 GWh. The power plant was built using 4.0 technology, making it one of the most modern facilities of its kind in the country. The installed capacity is more than 3.4 MWp.

Last year, the KGHM ZANAM S.A. plant in Polkowice was equipped with a new photovoltaic installation. Panels with a total power of 220kW were mounted on the roofs of the administration building and one of the warehouses. Planned annual energy production is to be 229 MWh. The electricity produced by this installation will cover approximately 12% of the energy needs of the Polkowice plant's production department and will also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of 137,108 kg/year.

In 2022, KGHM ZANAM S.A. started the investment process allowing it to obtain White Certificates. As part of this process, tasks related to thermal modernisation of some buildings at the Polkowice plant were started.

Technology for development

KGHM ZANAM S.A. is committed to continuous development through activities related to the optimisation of production processes and the implementation of new, innovative solutions available on the market. In 2022 alone, the company allocated more than PLN 63 million in capital expenditure. As part of these investments in production infrastructure, 17 large machines and dozens of medium and smaller production equipment were purchased and installed.

One of the company's latest acquisitions is a FLASHCUT laser cutting machine, which will significantly improve the quality of cut sheets and shorten the production cycle itself. Thanks to the high efficiency of the cutting process, production costs will also be reduced. In addition, KGHM ZANAM S.A. has invested in high-tech, state-of-the-art equipment, including: CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, robotised stations for welding and chamfering plates, a gantry milling machine and a drilling-milling-boring machine.

In 2021, KGHM ZANAM S.A. acquired a specialist 3DGence INDUSTRY printer as part of a project co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development. The innovative device is currently being used in the implementation of the ZANPER 2.0 electric mining vehicle project.

KGHM for the environment

The development of KGHM ZANAM S.A. taking into account the latest low- and zero-emission trends in motorisation and based on investments in renewable energy sources is in line with the direction of sustainable development of the entire KGHM Group. In 2022, KGHM spent around PLN 250 million on environmentally friendly investments.

KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.'s targets are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and to achieve total climate neutrality by 2050. Over the next 7 years, the Company will aim to meet 50% of its energy needs from its own sources - including RES. At present, the operation of KGHM Polska Miedz S.A.'s steam-gas units can cover up to 20% of the Company's electricity demand.

While diversifying sources of electricity throughout the Group, KGHM is also betting on solar, wind and hydrogen energy. The Company is building photovoltaic power plants and continuing projects in offshore wind power and hydrogen sources. In addition, KGHM is involved in the development of nuclear energy in the country.