Abstract
Deepening of active mine shaft comprises number of specific an very difficult operations, because it calls for use of untypical devices securing hoist operation in the shaft, as well as special technology tailored to actual technology of the deepened shaft face. The Leon IV shaft at the Rydułtowy mine is one of the last mining shafts deepened in Polish coal mining from the surface, and then deepened and finally equipped with mine shaft hoist installation. This investment will allow for the construction of the exploitation level of 1150 m and the availability of further coal extraction up to a depth of 1200 m. It will guarantee the possibility of exploitation of over 65 million tons of coal and continuous operation of the mine until 2040. At the same time, for the first time in the Polish hard coal mining industry, a flexible guiding of the mining cage and skips was used, which in comparison with rigid guiding is a much cheaper solution and has many other advantages. The chapter presents most important problems and technical solution implemented during construction and deepening of the Leon IV Shaft at Rydułtowy Coal Mine in Poland.
Highlights
Hard coal mine Rydułtowy is one of the oldest Polish mines in Rybnik Coal District
After the Second World War, the Charlotta mine was renamed as Rydułtowy mine, which belonged to various structures of Polish mining industry
In the period 1990–1998 a new shaft Leon IV was sunked with diameter 8.5 m, which rarely occured in Polish mining industry
Summary
Hard coal mine Rydułtowy is one of the oldest Polish mines in Rybnik Coal District. Its predecessor named Charlotte started production in the year 1806 and it was one of the greatest mines at that time. In the period 1990–1998 a new shaft Leon IV was sunked with diameter 8.5 m, which rarely occured in Polish mining industry. It should be noted that like in each active coal mine, deepening of the active shaft is related with necessity of its continuous and undisturbed operation In case of such technological restriction, works related with shaft deepening call for special securities, among others leaving of the rock shelf called as natural bottom, or building in the shaft the so-called artificial bottom. Big-diameter hole used for transport, water drainage, and fresh air can greatly facilitate the works related with shaft deepening In such cases, excavation on the level to which the shaft is deepened is needed. Extending of shaft hoists from the level 1000.0 (960 m) to the mining level 1050 m and auxiliary level 1200 m used for the mine water drainage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
