The new project plays a key role in the management of blasting agents by enabling the storage and dispensing of explosives.

“The need to build the Main Explosives Depot at level 900 was related to the need to supply blasting agents to the areas of performing the planned opening and preparatory works at level 900, level 1080 under construction, and the area of dredging sinking the IIz shaft from level 900 to level 1080. Previously, the Explosives Depot was located at level 705 and its location significantly prolonged the transportation of explosives to the blasting site. The mine also had a mobile explosives depot, which, due to its limited storage capacity and the specifics of storing explosives, required significant work,says Piotr Pustelnik, head of the Borynia-Zofiówka-Bzie mine's Blast Technology Department.

The venture began with site selection and needs analysis, based on which a design was made. Then workings were excavated and a shotcrete, i.e. sprayed concrete, coating was applied. The final, very demanding stage was the adaptation of 638 m of excavated workings and the proper equipping of the depot to meet the requirements of the Polish Standard and applicable regulations. This scope of work turned out to be very diverse, including the construction of: stoppings, floor dinting and screed, construction of the rail track and installation of track turntables, structures for storing blasting agents, limestone coating, signal and lighting installation, and grounding installation.

“The exemplary organization of the work, as well as the commitment of the employees and their innovation and efficiency were a key element in achieving the success of this project," concludes Łukasz Szlązak, director of the Borynia-Zofiówka-Bzie mine.

The Main Explosives Depot will serve both the Zofiówka and the Bzie Sections.