KGHM Polska Miedz S A : on the safety of the Żelazny Most at an international conference

The latest technologies, expert knowledge, experience and high standards - the operation of the Mining Waste Treatment Facility was discussed at the 19th International Technical Conference on Dams Control.

The conference provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience and the latest developments of professionals from around the world. This year's edition was dominated by the safety issues of wet landfill dams and other hydro-technical structures. Among the experts were also representatives of KGHM, who shared their knowledge. One of the technical sessions was entirely devoted to the operation of the Hydro-technical Plant. This is the 25th anniversary of KGHM department which manages the Żelazny Most tailings treatment tailings pond.

'The phenomenon of the 'Żelazny Most' - its size, but also its importance in the technological process of KGHM makes the operation of this facility of interest to experts from all over the world. The efficiency and safety of the facility is our absolute priority. We have original solutions, experienced experts among our employees and opinions of authorities in the industry,' says Dariusz Świderski, KGHM Vice-President for Production.

Żelazny Most is the best monitored reservoir of copper ore waste in Europe, receiving waste from ore enrichment plants located at three KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Mining Plants. The facility is located in Lower Silesia, east of Polkowice near Rudna. Together with the so-called South Quarters, currently being added to the main building, it will cover an area of over 2,000 hectares. The pond is surrounded on all sides by earth dams with a total length of more than 20 km and a height of up to 70 m.

The pond is continuously monitored - several thousand control and measurement points are installed around the facility.

The next phase of construction of the South Quarters of the Żelazny Most waste treatment tailings pond is now nearing completion. This means that in the near future KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. will begin storing waste in the constructed pond. When expanded with the South Quarters, it will be the largest and best monitored facility in Europe and one of the largest in the world.