119 / 2021-09-30 20:05:12

Modern KWB Turów mine. Technical innovations and pro-ecological solutions.

modern mine,relational database,mining surveying,mining geology,geotechnical engineering,pro-ecological solutions

The Turów mine has been exploiting the Turów deposit for 74 years. For all these years, the most modern tools in the field of mining exploration design, geological recognition of the deposit, surveying and geotechnical supervision and environmental protection have been developed and are currently being used.

In the field of mining exploitation design, the SoftMine software package is used, in cooperation with MicroStation graphics and a relational database. It supports engineering works in the field of geology, geotechnics, hydrogeology, etc. The software has been created and is constantly adapted to the individual needs of KWB Turów.



The usage of  SoftMine Modeler and SoftMine Eksploatacja software allows the employees of the PGE GiEK headquarters in Bełchatów, almost 400 km away from the mine, to carry out long-term design and scheduling using the database located at KWB Turów in Bogatynia. The SoftMine family of programs are IT tools based on a multi-access spatial database.



The entire software, combined with GPS control measurements of the current state of the mining excavation, enables efficient and precise design of mining and dump works carried out in the mine.



The basis of mining activity is the proper recognition of the mineral deposit. For over a dozen years, the mine's geological service has had modern technologies for obtaining information about the geological structure of the deposit, its storage and analyses of varying degrees of advancement. The most important is the three-dimensional qualitative model of the deposit. Its purpose is to present the variability of the basic technological parameters of brown coal (sulphur and ash content, calorific value, humidity). Innovative methods of measuring geological phenomena using a technologically advanced reflector less total station and a GPS receiver were also introduced. In the field of hydrogeological measurements, a remote monitoring system for the groundwater table in piezometric wells was used, along with a wireless data transmission system to the Central Database of the GSI Mining Information System - enabling quick data analysis.



In order to increase geotechnical safety, KWB Turów implemented a number of modern solutions in the field of control of geotechnical parameters of soils and deep displacements of the rock mass, allowing to detect at an early stage landslide threats and take appropriate preventive measures before the occurrence of a dangerous phenomenon. The early warning system includes automatic measurements of depth displacements (measurements in inclinometers) and pressure measurements in pore sensors on the internal dump and open pit, managed by the Geological Department, and automatic measurements of surface deformations managed by the Measurement Department. Measurement results are delivered by wireless data transmission in close to real time, and their analysis is performed using specialized applications that allow for a quick assessment of the state of emergency.



As regards surveying supervision, legal regulations impose an obligation on the mining entrepreneur to carry out measurements related to the construction, expansion, operation of the mining plant, and determination of the impact of mining works on the mining area. For this purpose, the Measurement Department of the Turów mine uses modern measurement tools and technologies that ensure compliance with high accuracy standards. Measurements are performed using electronic total stations equipped with a reflector less rangefinder (also a motorized version), GNSS satellite receivers operating in RTK mode and cooperating with their own reference station. The unmanned aerial vehicle is applicable to the implementation of aerial photogrammetry projects, the orthophoto map product of which is used in design tasks. Monitoring and alerting about removal threats takes place, among others, with the use of the Geomos system. It provides key information on the safety of internal dumping that is used by the mine's services on an ongoing basis.



Innovative technologies are also crucial for environmental protection. After 1989 a demanding period of ecological transformations of industry has begun, including for the Turów Mine. Initially, the excess emission was dealt with only after its occurrence, and earlier identification of its sources was not a priority. This approach has been verified with the development of mathematical modelling in forecasting emissions and the availability of new technologies. Today, the mine can boast not only of an exceptional scale of post-mining land reclamation, but most of all modern pro-environmental solutions. In the area of the coal bunker, there is a system of dust concentration sensors and a unique investment in Poland is being created - a wind screen. Highly efficient sprinkler systems are used. In addition to acoustic screens, silent rollers are installed and conveyors are guided at a reduced speed. The protection of surface waters is guaranteed by treatment plants based on the Actiflo suspension reduction technology. The use of good practices (ISO14001 standard), innovative technologies and management in line with the ethics of environmental protection is the current image of the Turów Mine.