Polish Coal Mines Research Articles

The contribution of the Polish coal mining industry to the economy of interwar Europe

The contribution of the Polish coal mining industry to the economy of interwar Europe

Model of the Formation of Work Safety Culture in Polish Mining Enterprises

The article presents the results of research on the level of work safety culture, which is an important element influencing the organisational culture in mining enterprises. The article aims to measure the safety culture among managers in Polish hard coal mines. The assumed goal was achieved in the area of literature and empirical research. Research shows that the precise identification of hazards defined the thematic areas shaping safe working conditions in underground mines. The main part of the work was to survey 135 employees in 3 hard coal companies in Poland. The questionnaires were developed in cooperation with mining experts, and the 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate individual questions. This methodological approach identified the subjective feelings and experiences of employees for building appropriate attitudes and behaviours that shape the organisational culture. The use of a culture grid enabled the creation of seven thematic groups of safety areas related to the so-called referents of organisational culture. The result of the empirical research is to propose an approach for the transformation of safety culture in the selected area for mining companies. The approach uses the organisational culture grid to shape the attitudes and behaviours of employees, which identifies and designates weak areas, defining them as unsatisfactory and unacceptable, and being the key conclusion of the research.

European Climate Policy in the Context of the Problem of Methane Emissions from Coal Mines in Poland

This paper presents a thorough examination of methane capture from Polish coal mines, contextualized within the framework of the European Union’s (EU) climate policy objectives. Through a strategic analysis encompassing the interior of coal mines, the surrounding environment, and the macro environment, this study elucidates the complex dynamics involved in methane emissions and capture initiatives. The key findings include a declining trend in absolute methane emissions since 2008, despite fluctuations in coal extraction volumes, and a relatively stable level of methane capture exceeding 300 million m3/year since 2014. The analysis underscores the critical role of government support, both in terms of financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes, to facilitate the integration of methane capture technologies into coal mining operations. Collaboration through partnerships and stakeholder engagement emerges as essential for overcoming resource competition and ensuring the long-term success of methane capture projects. This paper also highlights the economic and environmental opportunities presented by methane reserves, emphasizing the importance of investment in efficient extraction technologies. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly regarding the low efficiency of current de-methanation technologies. Recommendations for modernization and technological innovation are proposed to enhance methane capture efficiency and utilization.

Labor intensity as a strategic KPI for evaluating the efficiency of coal mines

In the face of the growing demands of the modern economy, 21st-century technology, and the challenges of Industry 4.0, the classical management of mining enterprises is not sufficient, and it is transforming into a process approach to the organization. The usage of the process management concept creates a situation for improving the organization at many levels, both at the strategy and operational levels. This provides an opportunity for a comprehensive view of the organization, but it is necessary to define indicators that determine the flexibility of operations, the achievement of profitability, and effective operational management. These indicators, called key performance indicators, focus on crucial aspects of the organization's activity that are fundamental to its current and future success. The contribution goal of the presented paper is to propose a new index for assessing the efficiency of coal mines, called the labor intensity index. The proposal is based on a previous three-area strategic analysis, including production indicators of coal mining companies, the state of coal mining in Poland, and economic factors affecting the current situation of the Polish coal mining industry. The analysis covered the period from 1988 to 2020. The use of new KPIs to assess performance in process terms is necessary to develop better new strategies for mining companies. It is particularly important in light of the industry's restructuring plans to restructure the mining industry and the far-reaching vision of decarbonizing the Polish energy sector.

Competitiveness of the Polish hard coal mining sector as a fuel supplier for heat and power generation

Competitiveness of the Polish hard coal mining sector as a fuel supplier for heat and power generation

Forecast of the Maximum Methane Concentration in the Longwall Outlet and in the Ventilation Roadway. Case Study

Abstract The mining process of the coal seam wall is accompanied by the release of methane into the mine atmosphere. This process is highly variable and depends on the methane content in the seam and the methane saturation of the rocks surrounding the seam. This is the specificity of the Polish hard coal mining industry. In the article, prognostic formulas for the maximum methane concentration at the outlet of the longwall ventilation gallery were developed. In the presented article, these formulas were used to predict methane concentration at the longwall outlet and in the ventilation gallery at a distance of up to 10 m in front of the longwall. In order to assess the accuracy of the forecasts, their results were compared with the forecast at the exit of the ventilation roadway. The obtained results are so accurate that it is worth repeating this type of check also using measurements in other longwalls. It will allow to reduce the risk of methane explosion during operation.

Study on the Usefulness of Lean Management Tools and Techniques in Coal Mines in Poland

The article presents research on the possibilities of utilising the Lean Management method to increase the profitability of coal mining operations through cost rationalisation and production optimisation. The Lean Management method has its roots in the automotive industry, but its significant benefits can allow it to be transferred to other industries. Based on the analysis of global literature describing examples of its application in general mining, as well as the authors’ own observations related to Polish hard coal mining, it was determined that the Lean Management method is not being utilised in this field. This article outlines the course and results of an original expert-mathematical study to assess the usefulness of specific Lean Management tools and techniques in hard coal mining. The study drew on knowledge obtained from selected, competent experts who demonstrated high levels of agreement in their assessments. Five core production areas were identified, and twelve widely used Lean Management tools and techniques were selected. The obtained assessments of the usefulness of Lean tools could serve as valuable guidance for mining management in the selection of methods for improving mining production in coal mines.

Green Building Materials for Circular Economy - Geopolymer Foams

This study aims to design and investigate foamed geopolymers as a green material dedicated to the circular economy. For synthesis as raw material, the main waste materials of two Polish coal mines, Wieczorek and Staszic, are applied. Additionally, various foaming methods are employed to utilize the by-product of energy production, especially the fly ash generated by the Skawina power plant. In this study, the main issues addressed are related to the selection of the most appropriate foaming agent and the optimization of the process parameters, including temperature, time, and mixture components. Hydrogen peroxide, aluminum powder, and a commercial foaming agent are selected as foaming agents in this research. During the process of sample preparation, stabilizers are applied in the form of polyglycol and cellulose. Through the conducted test, the results show that hydrogen peroxide and aluminum powder emerged as the two most optimal foaming agents.

The conditions for proper operation of the arch-rectangular support

Steel arch-rectangular support has a wide range of applications in Polish coal mines due to its asymmetrical shape. The frame has an arched outline on one side of the side wall, while on the opposite side it is rectangular. As a result, the support is ideal for securing set up room and recovery room. It can also be successfully used to secure three-way intersections of underground workings. To a large extent, however, the importance of these advantages is diminished by relatively low load-bearing parameters, resulting from a partially straight canopy, as well as the asymmetrical distribution of the load acting on the support in underground conditions. In order to ensure the proper and optimal operation of such frames, in addition to the standard requirements for roof supports, additional conditions must be met. The basic requirement is to support the end of the canopy on the corner of the excavation. This article presents examples of arch-rectangular supports, their applications as well as laboratory tests and strength analysis of the frames and its elements. These tests allowed the requirements regarding the construction of the frame, the selection of the support and the conditions of building in the excavation to be specified.

Impact of Natural Hazards on the Operation of Powered Roof Support in Polish Hard Coal Mines

The powered roof support is mainly used in natural hazard conditions. Natural hazards in Polish mining include methane hazards, gas and rock ejections, coal dust explosions, climate hazards, water hazards, landslides, eruptions, hydrogen sulphide hazards, radioactive substances hazards and rock mass tremors. The latter has a significant impact on the operation of powered roof support. The work analyses rock mass tremor risks in the last ten years. The study showed an intense increase in this hazard, which significantly affects the work safety of people operating machines and devices in mining excavations. The paper takes into consideration surveys carried out among employees working in conditions of rock mass shock risk. The purpose of the study was to obtain information on the safe operation of powered roof supports. The data allowed us to draw conclusions regarding the possibility of increasing work safety regarding rock mass shock risk conditions.

Exploitation of powered roof support in variable mining and geological conditions

The powered roof support is one of the essential elements of the technical equipment of the longwall. It is responsible for the safety of machines and workers. In addition, its function is to move the entire wall complex along the operational progress of the combine. Choosing the proper powered roof support per the conditions prevailing in the wall is an important factor for safe and effective operation. The aim of the study was to assess the mining and geological conditions in Polish hard coal mines in terms of the operation of powered roof support. The author focused mainly on analysing the risk of rock mass shocks, which significantly impact the work of the powered roof support. The work describes the development of the risk of tremors in recent years. The analysis showed an intense increase in this threat. We present an analysis of rock mass shocks registered in Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A. (Polish Mining Group), the main producer of hard coal in Europe. The results presented in this paper illustrate the scale of the risk of rock mass shocks. The current state of the tremor hazard presented in the paper may be helpful information in determining the directions of development and optimisation of the powered roof support.

Changes in the Polish Coal Sector Economic Situation with the Background of the European Union Energy Security and Eco-Efficiency Policy

Poland is a big user of fossil fuels for electricity and heat production. The most important fossil fuel is hard, brown coal and the Polish energy system is based on this source. However, the world has begun to decarbonize the climate and reduce the carbon dioxide and methane which are the main gasses impacting climate change. The main aim of this paper was to recognize changes in Polish coal sector. We focused our attention to the economic situation and employment in coal sector in Poland. The time rage included 1989–2020 and the prognosis 2021–2025. The Polish coal sector faced dramatic changes. The number of hard coal mines decreased from 70 in 1990 to 21 in 2020. In the same timeframe, the prices for hard coal increased from 12.37 PLN/dt to 313.27 PLN/dt. The employment decreased from more than 350 thousand to less than 100 thousand people in hard coal mines. The decrease changes are the effect of strict policies of the European Union. The economic situation of Polish hard coal mines is rather poor. Polish mines achieved negative economic results due to the effect of poor management. We used advanced statistics, including the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test (ADF), to measure the stationarity of analyzed time series. We also used Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models and conducted a prognosis. Our research proved that the time series describing the hard coal economic situation were not stationary. The Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models confirmed big changes in Polish coal sector economic results. The elaborated prognosis of variables proved that the price of hard coal will increase in 2021–2025. Moreover, the economic situation will be worse. Our analysis confirmed that global trends of the hard coal sector were influenced by the European Union (EU) energy policy and closing down the mines. The economic situation of Polish hard coal sector worsened.

Mining dust as a health threat to employees of extraction departments of coal mines

Mining dust as a health threat to employees of extraction departments of coal mines

Effect of calcium chloride solution on the spontaneous combustion of coal using Olpiński method

The article concerns the effect of the additive on the inhibition of the coal spontaneous combustion process (CSC) by the Olpiński method. The influence of inhibitors on CSC in this method has not been studied so far. Coal samples used in the experiment were taken from Polish coal mines, from which four samples with the symbols S1, S2, S3, and S4 were created, respectively. For each coal sample, a spontaneous combustion index was tested following the Olpiński's method. In addition, analogous tests were performed for coal samples treated with an aqueous CaCl2 solution. A 20% CaCl2 solution has proved to be the most advantageous. Based on the Olpiński method, a fire incubation period is determined in natural conditions on a mine site. Based on the results of CaCl2 inhibition, the extension of that period for examined coals was determined. The results obtained can provide valuable references for developing technology in CaCl2 usage to prevent spontaneous fires in coal mines.

Gasification of lignite from Polish coal mine to hydrogen-rich gas

The efforts of the world research activities involved in clean coal technologies development focus to a considerable extent on integrated hydrogen and power generation technologies based on coal gasification. As an alternative to combustion processes, gasification offers increased efficiency, lower negative environmental impact as well as wider application range of the main product—synthesis gas—in power generation and chemical syntheses. In order to select the most optimal lignite for the purpose of gasification, it is necessary to determine coal reactivity, the key parameter characterizing how fast the fuel reacts with the gasifying medium and controlling its process ability in thermochemical conversion to energy and/or energy carriers. This paper presents the experimental results of oxygen/steam gasification of lignite coal char in a fixed bed reactor under atmospheric pressure and at the temperature of 700, 800 and 900 °C; the samples come from an open pit lignite mine in the southwest of Poland. The effectiveness of the gasification process was tested in terms of the total gas and hydrogen yields, gas composition, carbon conversion rate and chars reactivity.

Challenges of the polish coal mining industry on its way to innovative and sustainable development

This paper refers to the current energy situation in the European Union (EU) countries with a particular focus on energy produced from renewable energy sources and coal – sources that provide opportunities for balancing the energy of the region. The strengths and weaknesses of coal mining in Poland were also identified, along with its opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). Innovative and sustainable development based on the Triple Helix Model (THM), as well as the Open innovation (OI) concept and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles were identified as opportunities for its sustainable development. The combination of these solutions should enable sustainable development of the industry, preserving its economic and social importance and reducing its negative impact on the environment. The use of new clean technologies in the operation and combustion of coal should reduce emissions of harmful substances into the environment. Intensive and government-supported cooperation between the scientific and research community and industry should significantly facilitate these processes. Another aspect important for the changes to be introduced is the social factor, for which the current situation represents an opportunity to preserve jobs in the mining industry, but also a challenge for its sustainable development. These seemingly mutually exclusive elements should form the basis of a new opening for Polish and European mining as an innovative industry based on knowledge and preserving the basic principles of ESG. The paper also outlines the most significant challenges facing the Polish mining industry on its way to innovative development. The article provides a new and relevant to the current reality perspective on the Polish mining industry in the context of the entire EU, for which the current geopolitical situation forces the necessity of setting a new direction of development. The geopolitical changes that have recently taken place in the global economy such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic and the armed conflict within Ukraine have caused very great turbulence in the energy market. Enthusiasm and uncritical adoption of green concepts in the EU has caused, along with the reduction of gas and coal imports from Russia, turbulence in the energy market. This situation has created a great opportunity for the development of the mining industry in Poland, which has not yet managed, following the example of other EU countries, to extinguish the industry. In order to take advantage of this opportunity and obtain a permanent place in the energy mix in the EU, it is necessary to rapidly develop the mining industry in a sustainable manner based on innovative solutions.

The Solution of the Main Fan Station for Underground Mines Being Decommissioned in Terms of Reducing Energy Consumption by Ventilation

Ventilation plays a key role in underground mining. It is essential due to the natural hazards and technological processes that come with the nature of mining. However, it is highly energy consuming and generates significant operating expenditures. Fan station parameters are selected based on the needs of a particular mine but mainly consider the requirements for the period of developed mining activities. When the period of mine decommissioning begins, the parameters of the main fan station often exceed its needs. In Poland, many mines have been closed in recent years. However, sometimes, due to the necessity of pumping underground water, it cannot be done thoroughly. In such a situation, it usually turns out that the parameters of the existing fan station significantly exceed the mine’s needs. The main fan stations are devoid of control systems, and even if they have them, they do not allow for a significant reduction of their volume flow rate. Modernising of the station to meet new requirements of the mine is expensive and time consuming. Solving the presented problem is possible by developing a fan station to replace main fans that are too big. The idea is easy to implement and consists of connecting it to an existing upcast shaft or downcast shaft, which will then be changed to upcast. The solution presented in the article has been implemented in two Polish coal mines and is in progress in a third mine. The examples presented in the article clearly show the energy benefits of replacing main fans that are too large.

Observational constraints on methane emissions from Polish coal mines using a ground-based remote sensing network

Abstract. Given its abundant coal mining activities, the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) in southern Poland is one of the largest sources of anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions in Europe. Here, we report on CH4 emission estimates for coal mine ventilation facilities in the USCB. Our estimates are driven by pairwise upwind–downwind observations of the column-average dry-air mole fractions of CH4 (XCH4) by a network of four portable, ground-based, sun-viewing Fourier transform spectrometers of the type EM27/SUN operated during the CoMet campaign in May–June 2018. The EM27/SUN instruments were deployed in the four cardinal directions around the USCB approximately 50 km from the center of the basin. We report on six case studies for which we inferred emissions by evaluating the mismatch between the observed downwind enhancements and simulations based on trajectory calculations releasing particles out of the ventilation shafts using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART. The latter was driven by wind fields calculated by WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting model) under assimilation of vertical wind profile measurements of three co-deployed wind lidars. For emission estimation, we use a Phillips–Tikhonov regularization scheme with the L-curve criterion. Diagnosed by the emissions averaging kernels, we find that, depending on the catchment area of the downwind measurements, our ad hoc network can resolve individual facilities or groups of ventilation facilities but that inspecting the emissions averaging kernels is essential to detect correlated estimates. Generally, our instantaneous emission estimates range between 80 and 133 kt CH4 a−1 for the southeastern part of the USCB and between 414 and 790 kt CH4 a−1 for various larger parts of the basin, suggesting higher emissions than expected from the annual emissions reported by the E-PRTR (European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register). Uncertainties range between 23 % and 36 %, dominated by the error contribution from uncertain wind fields.

Life cycle assessment of a novel metal recovery method from co-processing of coal mine waste and low-grade printed circuit boards

A double waste stream problem arises from the increasing use of electrical and electronic equipment and their energy consumption: potentially toxic wastes from the equipment itself and potential acid mine drainage from the waste of the coal mines that provide the fuel to cover the energy demand. CEReS (Co-processing of Coal Mine & Electronic Wastes: Novel Resources for a Sustainable Future) is a novel method to co-process the coal mine and low-grade PCBs waste to reduce their environmental impacts while producing metals and other valuable products. The aim of this study is to investigate whether CEReS method is more environmentally friendly than the conventional practices of landfilling and incineration. Based on a Polish coal mine case study, our study found that the CEReS method could potentially eliminate the environmental impacts related to toxicity but increase the climate change impacts by ten times. A sensitivity analysis has shown that using a lower carbon electricity mix could reduce the climate change and fossil depletion impacts. It is also recommended to reduce water and energy requirements in some stages of the method.

Hard coal phase-out and the labour market transition pathways: The case of Poland

We study the labour market transition pathways driven by the coal phase-out in Poland between 1990 and 2050. We apply the concept of branching points to describe the coal transition in the context of structural and labour supply changes and educational upgrading. We show that in the 1990s and 2000s, job opportunities for miners were scarce, as the trajectories of all of these trends deteriorated their labour market prospects. As these trends have reversed in the 2010s, the future employment outlook of the coal phase-out in Poland is more favourable than it was in the past. We find that the employment structures of mining subregions and mines are homogenous, which enables regional approaches to manage the transition. Decarbonisation will lead to a surplus of Polish hard coal mining workers from 2030 on, yet the projected shortages of workers in other sectors will create opportunities for reallocation.