The Rudna Mining Facility is celebrating its 50th anniversary - half a century of success, innovation and development of the KGHM division

The Rudna Mining Facility is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - the celebrations include Rudna’s birthday, the publication of a unique chronicle of this division of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and numerous events organised by the mine's employees, including walking and cycling rallies. A mural commemorating the festivities will also be created at the Facility.

Officially opened in 1974, the Rudna Mining Facility was part of a larger project to exploit copper deposits in Lower Silesia. The establishment of the facility was a response to the growing demand for copper, a key raw material for the then and now growing Polish economy. The early years were characterised by rapid infrastructure development and the introduction of modern technologies.

“Since the inception of the Rudna mine, commitment to an innovative approach to production and attention to staff safety have been the cornerstones of the development of this division of KGHM. And that doesn’t change as the years go by. The facility added a new GG-1 shaft last year, which will allow us to reach deposits at a depth of 1,200 metres and more. Our goal is also to continue mining in the Głogów Głęboki-Przemysłowy area and the “Retków-Grodziszcze” area, - said Mirosław Laskowski, KGHM’s deputy CEO in charge of production. 

Marcin Danis, the General Manager of the Rudna Mining Facility, added that the anniversary is a special moment in KGHM’s history. “Rudna is a symbol of the innovation, determination and commitment that drives our business. We are proud of the achievements of our employees. At the mine, we combine the modern with the mining tradition. We remember where we come from, what our history is. We look back with respect at those who built this company, while at the same time using technical innovations to carry out production in more difficult conditions in a safe manner,” added the mine’s General Manager.

Development and innovation

Over five decades, the Rudna Mining Facility has undergone numerous modernisations. Investment in state-of-the-art mining and processing technologies has allowed for increased productivity and safety at work. Since the start-up of the facility, copper mining has increased from 1.9 million tonnes of ore in the first year to more than 11 million tonnes per year today. The introduction of systems for the automation and computerisation of the production process was an important step towards the development of modern mining.

Effective operations

Mining of the ore at the Rudna Mining Facility is carried out in three mining regions: GG-1, GG-2 and GG-3. The plant operates using 11 shafts with depths ranging from 941 to 1348 metres. Production processes are carried out using chamber-and-pillar mining systems, and rock is extracted using blasting technology.

The GG-1 shaft, with a depth of 1,348 metres, is the deepest shaft in Poland and one of the company's most important investments. It makes it possible to open up new areas of copper deposits and extend the life of the mines of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A..

The Rudna Mining Facility can boast a number of successes, such as high-level copper mining, innovative technological solutions, expansion of infrastructure and care for the environment.

Proud of history

The employees of the Rudna Mining Facility also played a special role in the social changes in Poland. The imposition of martial law on 13 December 1981 led to a sit-down strike in response to repression by the communist authorities. The strike at the Rudna Mining Facility was the largest protest in Lower Silesia, distinguished by the number of participants, the long duration and the brutality of the pacification. According to various sources and witness accounts, a total of 5,000 to 7,000 participants took part in the strike at the Rudna Mining Facility. This event, a symbol of resistance and the fight for freedom, was of great importance and a great step towards a democratic Poland.

A copper-coloured future

Looking to the future, the Rudna Mining Facility plans to continue its development activities to remain a leader in the mining industry. Investment in state-of-the-art technology, employee training and sustainable development are the foundations on which the plant is building its strategy for the next decades.

For the body and the spirit

During the year, events were prepared for employees to mark the golden jubilee of the Rudna Mining Facility: cycling and walking rallies, sports tournaments, a family festival and celebrations to honour the mining traditions. In addition, a commemorative mural is being created at Rudna Główna, and a symbolic miners’ wagon with the logo of the 50th anniversary of the Rudna MF was erected at the Miners’ Roundabout in Głogów.