Polish coking coal producer Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa SA (JSW) has announced the completion of a major strategic project at its Pniówek underground coal mine by deepening Shaft III from 856 m to 1053 m and commissioning a new 1000 m horizon. This event marks an important milestone for safety, logistics and operational efficiency mine.
The deepening project, which began in 2020, also included upgrading the lifting facilities on both the eastern and western sections of Shaft III to service the new level.
The 7.5 m diameter Shaft III serves several functions, including ventilation, personnel lowering and material transport. Following the completion of the project, the shaft now serves three levels - 705 m, 830 m and a new level of 1000 m, which has become the main operational horizon. Already, about 60 percent of miners are starting their shifts at the new level.
The upgrade also improved safety and productivity by eliminating the need to transport materials from the 830 m level. The new three-story cage now accommodates up to 78 people per trip, and upgrades to lifting mechanisms and new ropes can handle heavier loads. Throughput at a deeper level has also been increased.
JSW officials described completion of the shaft deepening as key to the long-term sustainability of the mine. According to the company, the investment will provide a higher level of security,
