State Mining Authority

Dagmara NOWAK-SENDEROWSKA

The article presents the application of the event tree analysis (ETA) method as an advanced tool supporting the processes of analysis, forecasting, and assessment of occupational hazards in the context of systematic occupational safety management. The ETA method, based on the logical structure of events and their possible consequences, enables the identification of critical points in the work environment, including potential human errors, technical failures, organizational shortcomings, and the impact of adverse environmental factors. Attention was drawn to the interdisciplinary possibilities of using this method – from the identification and assessment of occupational risks, through the rational selection of protective measures, to support in accident investigations and the design of effective prevention strategies. The practical application of the event tree method is presented using the example of an analysis of two mining workstations: a drilling and anchoring machine operator in an underground mine, where a fire hazard was identified due to the presence
of flammable materials, and a wheel loader operator in open-pit mining, exposed to contact with unexploded ordnance. In both cases, an important issue in the construction of scenarios was the collection of relevant data in the form of: the circumstances of each identified hazard, the frequency of activation of the hazard, the types of injuries in the event of a hazard, and the preventive measures used to date. It has been shown that ETA can be an effective tool for reducing risk and improving occupational safety in mining companies.

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Zbigniew BURTAN, Dariusz CHLEBOWSKI, Zbigniew RAWICKI

The article presents the current state of seismicity and rock burst hazard in hard coal mines. Based on the defined, extraction-related seismicity indicators (frequency and energy of high-energy tremors) and accident rates (frequency and severity of accidents) resulting from rock bursts and stress relief in rock mass, an analysis of changes in the level of tremors and rock burst hazard in the years 2015–2024 was carried out. The analysis of the variability of these indicators clearly shows that despite the decline in extraction, the ma-
gnitude of the seismic hazard and the accident rate resulting from rock bursts and stress reliefs is gradually increasing. This increase is greater in relation to extraction from seams at risk of rock bursts than in relation to total extraction. During identification of the causes of the high level of seismic and rock burst hazard, reference was made to geological and mining conditions such as mining depth, thick-layered rock mass structure, geological disturbances, mining operations, and residual areas. Attention was also drawn to the impact of draining liquidated water reservoirs in the vicinity of mining operations on the seismic activity of the rock mass. The increase in the level of seismic and rock burst hazard in recent years, including the number of rock bursts and stress relief, indicates the need to intensify actions to improve, assess and combat this hazard, especially in relation to conducting mining works in restricted geological and mining conditions.

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Dorota ŁOCHAŃSKA

The transport of sand and gravel aggregates is a fundamental element of logistics in opencast mining in Poland, determining both the economic efficiency and the environmental impact of the sector. Due to the nature of extraction and the location of deposits, most transport is carried out over short distances, which means that road transport plays a dominant role, especially in regions with a dense network of local roads. Rail and inland waterway transport play a complementary role, mainly for bulk transport over longer distances and in areas with adequate infrastructure. The article highlights the importance of the so-called economic transport radius, which determines the maximum distance for cost-effective transport of aggregates, and factors affecting costs, such as fuel prices, road tolls, road conditions and the organisation of drivers’ work. The use of modern information and telematics technologies, which enable route optimisation, fuel consumption control and better delivery planning, is also discussed. Attention is drawn to the technical and organisational risks associated with the exploitation and distribution of raw materials and to the need to introduce solutions that support the safety and sustainable development of the industry. The conclusions indicate that the future of the aggregates market depends on the integration of various means of transport, the digitisation of logistics processes and the implementation of innovative technologies that increase efficiency and competitiveness.

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Dariusz GĄGOROWSKI, Norbert GOLEC, Rafał WÓJTOWICZ, Wojciech WŁODARCZYK 

The "Janina" Mining Plant, owned by Południowy Koncern Węglowy S.A., implemented an innovative solution by using self-propelled SWT-Team 14/1.9/J and SWT-Team 10/1.9/J mining machines to transport people at the 800 m level. An important factor influencing the decision to implement self-propelled transport was safety resulting from low natural risk, including the absence of methane hazard, gas and rock outbursts, and class A coal dust explosion. A comprehensive financial analysis of the planned investment, comparing the costs of purchasing, operating and servicing a suspended diesel locomotive and a self-propelled mining machine, showed that the cost of purchasing a self-propelled mining machine combined with its lower operating costs and lower service requirements provides an excellent economic result. The introduction of self-propelled mining machines for crew transport has brought benefits in the form of reduced crew transport time, increased effective working time, reduced operating costs, higher mobility and flexibility, and improved safety and comfort at work. The transport vehicles cover a distance of approximately 2 km, transporting the crew to their work stations in the underground workings every day, demonstrating that current mining can be modern, efficient and employee-friendly.

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Mateusz ŁASIEWICKI

Phytomining is an innovative technology that utilizes the ability of certain hyperaccumulating plants to absorb and store heavy metals from the soil. This process enables the recovery of valuable elements such as nickel, lead, cadmium, or arsenic through the cultivation of selected plant species, biomass harvesting, and metal extraction from the ash after combustion. The method is applicable both in the exploitation of low-grade ores and in the bioremediation of industrially degraded lands. Phytomining is characterized by lower capital investment and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional mining. It does not require interference with the geological structure and also supports land reclamation processes. However, the effectiveness of this technology depends on the selection of appropriate plant species with high biomass production and strong accumulation capacity. Phytomining also carries certain risks, including the potential spread of invasive species, bioaccumulation of metals in the food chain, and emissions of pollutants during biomass combustion. These issues call for further research and responsible environmental management to allow this method to become a viable alternative to traditional metal extraction. The greatest challenge for phytomining remains its economic feasibility and competition from conventional mining.

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Michał WROŃSKI

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Tomasz RZECZYCKI

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Stefan GIERLOTKA

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