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The basic process of minerals’ mechanical preparation, including coal, is a beneficiation process which has a decisive impact on quantitative-and-qualitative parameters of commercial products. At present the products of the MBE-CMT, Allmineral and Tenova companies have big market shares as regards foreign water pulsatory jigs, as well as ITG KOMAG on the local Polish market. New implementations of jigs, developed at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, for beneficiation of coking coal and steam coal in collaboration with Carbo-Eco Ltd. and Fugor Ltd. companies, were realized in 2019. Technical and technological parameters of new devices are described in the article. Supply systems of feed are presented as well as the method of collecting tailings and middlings. New design solutions, applied in modernized preparation plants, aimed at an improvement of jigs production capacity and efficiency are presented. In the case of each jig, after its activation and conducted adjusting processes, exact tests of a beneficiation efficiency were performed and their results are presented in the tabular form. Basic beneficiation accuracy indicators and parameters of products’ separation as well as balances of products are given. The test results, obtained from newly activated jigs, are discussed.

The aim of the article is to present the results of laboratory analyses determining the content of rare earth elements (REE) in hard coal type 31.1. Coal was extracted directly from the mining excavation located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Mass spectrometry tests with ionization in inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS), were aimed at the quantitative analysis of the share of REE in coal, taking into account the economic aspects of recovery of these elements. Fine ground hard coal samples and ashes obtained after coal burning were assessed for the rare earth elements concentration. Results of the rare earth elements concentration (lanthanum and cerium) in hard coal are similar in the values obtained in previous tests. The current analyses present higher concentration of europium or neodymium. The article also contains the concept of possible future research work, consisting in the recovery of rare earth elements using, among others, a classifying hydrocyclone.

The Knurów hard coal deposit is characterized by rich fold and fault tectonics and diverse morphology of the overburden. The deposit contains a fold zone called Knurów anticline and four complex of faults with the total amplitudes reaching up to several dozen meters. While making a 3D model of the deposit, a range of complications related to the correct interpretation of the running and development of the aforementioned tectonic structures were encountered. Additional data were begun to be introduced during the detailed analysis of the 3D model being made in stages, thereby forcing the software to perform the modeling according to preset assumptions. This process covered such areas of the deposit that were poorly explored or documented to an extent requiring an intervention from a geologist.

The primary objective of this paper is to present a model of a process management system developed to support the restructuring of Polish enterprises of the hard coal mining industry. The development of this model required research in three stages using several research methods. The stage I of the research was oriented towards the recognition of the existing state of knowledge in the scope of previously developed models of process management in enterprises. At this stage, a method of reviewing the literature, the analysis and synthesis of the results of considerations, was used. The stage II was oriented towards presenting of the current state of knowledge in the field of process management to the managerial staff of mines in order to identify their needs, capabilities and preferences. The research were attended by 24 managers from PGG SA and JSW SA. At this stage, the method of targeted free-form interview and discussions, was used. The stage III of the research was oriented towards the development of a process management system model in enterprises operating in the hard coal mining industry, based on the scientific achievements to date in the field of process management and consensus on the needs, preferences and capabilities of mine managerial staff with regard to its specific elements. At this stage, the method of analysis and synthesis was used. The results of the research presented in this publication are primarily addressed to the managerial staff of polish hard mines, as they provide a synthesized response to the problem of the lack of consistent process management guidelines that could set a standard within a mining enterprise. The model presented in the publication is of a general nature, although it may provide a basis for the application of process management for mines.

For the Polish economy, hard coal is the basic raw material for the production of electricity and heat, guaranteeing energy security. To ensure safe and effective work in underground mines, the most modern technical solutions are implemented. Innovative achievements of production automation are increasingly being used. Introduction of the Industry 4.0 concept elements is an opportunity for: improvement of coal exploitation processes, use of IT tools supporting decision-making processes and ensuring real-time process management. However, the specificity of the mining environment poses many barriers, for example limitations resulting from geology, extent and volume of excavations, device mobility and telecommunications. The article describes mining threats and limitations as well as the current technical condition of Polish mining. The latest trends in mining development are described in line with the ideas of the fourth industrial revolution. The main goal of the article is to analyze the feasibility of implementing Industry 4.0 concept solutions for underground mining. The analysis was performed with a tabular descriptive method, based on the conducted mining documentation, own observations, surveys and literature research. The indicated limitations and recommendations developed can serve as a guide to further scientific research and implementations in this area.

Hard coal mines and mining enterprises involved in hard coal exploitation in the area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Górnośląskie Zagłębie Węglowe) are characterised by the presence of natural hazards typical of this type of exploitation. These hazards include the risks related to methane, coal dust explosion, endogenous fires, as well as rock burst and caving of roof rocks. The article presents the results of a taxonomic analysis aimed at determining the similarity of hard coal mines and mining enterprises in Poland in terms of the dangerous incidents caused by the risks related to methane, coal dust explosion, endogenous fires, as well as rock burst and caving of roof rocks. The analysis was carried out for the 2008-2018 data and encompassed a total of 26 hard coal mines and mining enterprises located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The analysis was performed using the k-means method of non-hierarchical clustering. The main objective of the article was to determine homogenous groups (clusters) of mines exhibiting the greatest similarity in terms of dangerous incidents caused by the activation of natural hazards in the years 2008-2018. These data can be successfully used for the development of preventive measures and risk analyses for these enterprises.

Computer systems supporting the management of machines operation and maintenance in companies have been successfully applied in many branches of industry. Over the last few years these systems have been considerably transformed. It also seems that using them for operating mining machines in hard coal mines is inevitable, as maintenance generates high production costs. If implemented, the systems will allow for optimization of stocks, spare parts and materials, supplies, outsourced services as well as maintenance-repair works. Application of a system supporting the management of mining machines/equipment will also enable a better, more effective use of employees. As a result of these actions, the time needed for preparations and repair will be shortened, which will translate directly into the economic effects of mines.

This article presents a pilot study on the local community’s social perception regarding coal mines in Upper Silesia. The research was performed in connection with the smog, which was persistent and harmful to residents during the winter months of 2016. The researchers put forward to the local community the following two survey questions: 1. Is the image of coal mines in the eyes of the local community positive or negative? 2. Are coal mines socially responsible and is coal a good energy source? The aim of this article is to indicate the relationship of the local community to the presence of hard coal mines in the neighbourhood and their social role. Also, this work looks to identify the nuisances perceived by the inhabitants of the examined region about mining enterprises and whether these burdens should result in abandonment of hard coal mining. Pilot studies were conducted with the use of a diagnostic survey. The study was carried out in January 2017 on a sample of 267 people, comprising Silesian University of Technology students residing in Upper Silesia. An environmental survey technique was used. The researchers hypothesise that the image of mining and coal as a fuel for the local community is negative and the mines are not socially responsible enterprises. This research shows that the operation of mines is essential for society and its stability as it affects economic, social and energy safety. A large proportion of the respondents defined the image of mining as positive (108 people), but 76 people indicated that the image was rather negative. Most respondents pointed to the benefits of the mine’s operation. Opinions on social responsibility were divided, and most respondents failed to provide concrete examples of social engagement, so the first hypothesis was partly confirmed. Although the respondents pointed to various nuisances resulting from the mining companies operating in their environment, they also recognised significant social aspects related to employability and access to relatively cheap fuel. However, they do not realise the social involvement of mines, which is one of the conditions of sustainable development. Pilot studies allowed for the initial identification of problems and verification of the research tool utilised in this study.

Polish energy security is based mainly on a coal. Such dependency will be still maintained for several years. It is therefore necessary to improve the economic situation of polish mining companies. The mining companies in Poland are operating under tremendous uncertainty of turbulent environment. The article presents used by the authors methods to facilitate the creation and selection of optimal production strategy. These are scenario planning, forecasting and linear programming, which allow the simulation of company operations in the future. The authors suggest the most successful and optimal forecasting models for the Polish mining industry, as well as factors affecting the demand for hard coal in Poland. The manuscript presents also possible to apply coal production strategies and the method of evaluation and selection of optimal strategy in the difficult conditions of Polish mining companies environment. This makes it possible to take a decision burdened with minor errors and less risk.

In the majority of Polish mines, the exploitation of hard coal is accompanied by the release of considerable amounts of methane. Being flammable and explosive, methane may form an explosive mixture with air once it appears in mine workings. For this reason, the methane hazard is recognised as one of the ventilation risks in the mining industry. This process leads to the formation of air and methane mixture, whose considerable amounts permeate into the atmosphere and the natural environment. This phenomenon is extremely unfavourable because methane is, besides carbon dioxide, yet another gas that exacerbates the greenhouse effect. For this reason, it is increasingly more common to equip mines with methane collection systems in the process of demethylation. These play a vital role for both the natural environment and the safety of work in mines. A reduction of the methane content in headings increases the safety of the working crew and enhances the effectiveness of mining production. The article presents an analysis of the methane-related hazard based on methane emissions during mining exploitation. The analysis was based on the data concerning the amount of methane emitted into the atmosphere and collected by methane extraction systems from 16 coal mines. It led to identification of homogenous mines with similar values of the absolute methane-bearing capacity and ventilation methane-bearing capacity as well as with similar amounts of methane collected by methane extraction systems. The analysis was performed using the non-hierarchical k-average method, which belongs to the group of algorithms for analysing clusters. As a result, the mines were divided into the assumed number of groups. The results obtained made it possible to determine a group of mines in which, in the Author’s opinion, similar systems can be applied for controlling and reducing the methane hazard. These results also open up numerous possibilities for undertaking joint business ventures by the mines in terms of using the collected methane and implementing preventive measures.

The excavation of residual seam parts should be justified by positive assessment of the purposefulness, technical feasibility and economic effectiveness. The results of the profitability evaluation are crucial in a decision making process. The excavation of residual seam parts, even if it is possible from a technical point of view, should not be implemented if it is economically inefficient or when accompanied by a very high risk of non-recovery of invested capital resources. The article presents the evaluation method of possibilities of excavating hard coal from residual seam parts, and the example of its use in one of collieries in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Working in line with the developed method, allows to indicate the variant of residual seam part exploitation, which is feasible to implement from a technical point of view, and which is characterized by the highest economic effectiveness and lowest risk.

The aim of this article is to discuss the changes that have been observed on the market of qualified coal fuels (the so-called eco-pea coal) over the last few years. These changes are related to the markets of both the producers and the products they offer. Qualified coal fuels are produced from selected lots of high-calorific coal. They are characterized by strictly defined repeatable physico-chemical parameters (low sulphur content, ash content, and agglomerating capacity) and they are dedicated for use in modern, low-emission retort boilers. On the basis of multiannual observations, five groups of producers of qualified coal fuels have been identified, broken down by the origin of utilized coal. Initially, the production of eco-pea coal in Poland was limited to domestic coal mining companies only. However, in response to the growing demand for these fuels, smaller businesses (mostly dedicated to trading coal from major coal mining companies) have also engaged in production of these fuels. A part of them started producing eco-pea coal under licenses from large coal mining companies, and some of them created their own blends as well. In the years 2007-2015, the whole hard coal mining industry’s eco-coal production was in the range of 0.4-1.1 million t/year. In terms of calorific value, almost all of the producer groups mainly offer eco-pea coal with values in the range of 24-26 MJ/kg. The ash content of the offered eco-pea coal is usually 5-10% Ai r, and sulphur content-in the range of 0.4-1.0%. The prices of eco-pea coal at fuel depots vary by region and are close to the price offers of coarse grain sizes. Compared to sales prices (ex-mine) of coarse grain sizes intended for the market of other domestic customers, they are usually higher by a dozen or so PLN/GJ. The growing number of eco-pea coal producers contributes to the increase in these fuels’ price range. The difference between maximum and minimum price offer is a dozen or so PLN/GJ. In the years 2009-2016, the prices of eco-pea coal produced on the basis of domestic coal were changing within a range of 12-33 PLN/GJ, and for the product based on imported raw material-between 12 and 31 PLN/GJ.

The paper presents the results of research on the degree of faulting of deposits/mining areas of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin having been carried out since the 1970s. The results of these works are comprised of an analysis of the density of faults and an of the faulting index for 26 deposits/mining areas in the borders of the USCB. The statistical presentation of the problem includes three main parameters that characterize the tectonic complication of hard coal deposits in the borders of mining areas: lineal density GUL, surface density GUP and synthetic faulting index WU. The comparison of values of these parameters for particular deposits/mining areas was used for drawing up maps of their changes, whereas the results of the obtained view of variability have been interpolated and extrapolated to the borders of the entire basin. The results of the research showed that the values of GUL vary between 0.2 and 9.4 of faults/ m·10-3 and for all four analyzed directions: W-E, N-W, NW-SE i NE-SW, indicate a significant growing tendency in the following directions: N and NW and in SW. According to an analysis of GUP, it was stated that the largest part of the study area is occupied by the area in which there are no faults and the percentage of surface with GUP > 300 m/m2·10-4 is insignificant and does not have an essential influence on the rate and value of the faulting index. WU varies between 1.4 and 131.4 m/m2·10-4 (average for USCB: WU = 52.1 m/m2·10-4) and indicates a significant increasing tendency in the directions: N and NW as well as in the direction of SW. This determines the occurrence of USCB deposits of extreme different grade of tectonic complication in the borders: from not complicated (I grade) to very strongly complicated (VI grade).

This paper presents the results of testing the explosion effects of two explosive charges placed in an environment with specified values of confining pressure. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of variable environmental conditions on the suitability of particular explosives for their use in the prevention of natural hazards in hard coal mining. The research results will contribute to improving the efficiency of currently adopted technologies of natural hazard prevention and aid in raising the level of occupational safety. To carry out the subject matter measurements, a special test stand was constructed which allows the value of the initial pressure inside the chamber, which constitutes its integral part, to be altered before the detonation of the charge being tested. The obtained characteristics of the pressure changes during the explosion of the analysed charge helped to identify the work (energy) which was produced during the process. The test results are a valuable source of information, opening up new possibilities for the use of explosives, the development of innovative solutions for the construction of explosive charges and their initiation.

Ensuring roadways stability in hard coal mines is one of the main challenges faced by engineers. A changeable geological structure have caused the roadway’s conditions to vary, thus influencing its stability. One of the causes of those changes is the presence of a previously undiscovered fault zone (small faults crossed the roadway) within which a significant convergence or support deformation may occur.The paper presents the impact of low throw faults on the degree of convergence of roadways. Convergence is determined for two roadways in the hard coal mine. A special measuring stations have been installed in one of the roadways, and they have carried out constant measurements for 15 months. In the other roadway, the degree of convergence has been determined on the basis of an on-site verification and comparison of the measurements obtained and the initial values, based on the roadway’s records.On the basis of the obtained convergence results, the impact of a single fault and the entire fault zone on the roadway stability has been determined. The impact of a single, low throw fault results in a 30% higher vertical convergence than in the case of roadways free of geological disturbance. In the roadway section located in the fault zone, vertical convergence is 4 times higher than in the case of sections free of disturbance impact. The floor heaving constitutes ca. 90% of vertical convergence both for roadway sections situated within the faulted zones and for sections free of the influence of any additional factors.

The cataloging of over 220 coal mining dumping grounds after hard coal mining was carried out on the area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). Considering the significant content of coal particles in the waste, these object may be perceived as perspective anthropogenic deposits. In order to define the possibilities of recovery, an attempt of linking the quality of coal in the deposit and the in waste material was performed. Another step is the reclamation and use of dumping grounds after completing effective recovery processes. The purpose of the research was the cataloging, mapping and valorization of coal mining waste dumps from Katowicki Holding Węglowy coal mines, for the needs of reclamation and management of examined objects and defining the potential recovery of coal from the dumps. The valorization of the post-mining waste dumps was done with the use of original methodology, considering the problems of: reclamation, management, accessibility of the dumps as well as environmental hazards. T he directions of the technical reclamation (e.g. landscape objects, tabular dumps) and biological reclamation (e.g. forest direction, mixed reclamation (grass and tree reclamation), grass cultivation, lack of reclamation) were defined. Accessibility with regard to open access/closing of the dump area and the roads leading towards the object were evaluated. T he connection of coal quality in the deposits of KHW S.A. and in waste material enabled the definition and evaluation of the potential possibilities of recovery of coal from the post mining dumping grounds.

The paper presents possibilities of an economic evaluation of hard coal mines, using Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA). Suggested methodology for CBA applied to the economic evaluation of a mine allows to conduct a complex evaluation of mine’s functionality in connection to Polish conditions. Additionally to financial aspects, significant from the point of view of the mine’s owner, the paper includes social and environmental effects as a result of mining activities. Proposed methodology has undergone tests which used averaged data obtained from two selected hard coal mines located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Presented results confirm the validity of social costs and benefits, and environmental losses resulting from mining operation, which were included in analysis comprehensively evaluating the efficiency of hard coal mines.

As regards the exploitation of hard coal seams, the near-fault zones and faults themselves are considered to be particularly dangerous areas, which is due to a high probability of the occurrence of gasogeodynamic phenomena. Tectonic dislocations running across a seam have a destructive impact on coal. Degradation of the coal structure, particularly visible in the microscale, is reflected in the coal’s strength or gas properties. Such “structurally altered” coal is characterized by the presence of numerous fracturings, crushed areas, or dislocations of some of its fragments, and sometimes even the total destruction of the original structure. The present paper provides a detailed analysis and description of near-fault coal obtained from selected seams of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, completed due to the application of optical methods. Both the type and the degree of changes in the structure of such coal were identified. On this basis, the author attempted to systematize the nomenclature used in relation to selected Upper Silesian hard coal seams, which, in turn, resulted in a proposed classification of the “altered structures” of the near-fault coal.

The article describes the importance of individual client in making level of demand for hard coal in Poland, and points to lack of use this potential by Polish hard coal producers. These arguments were derived firstly on the basis of analysis of the present structure of the hard coal market in Poland, including terms of the competitive situation. Secondly were taken into account characteristics of the level of demand for the product generated by the segment of individual clients. First of all the author focused on the second element, indicating the size and capacity of the quantitative and valuable part of the market for the year 2013. These analyses were carried out on the national level and in terms of individual provinces. In this way the level of the annual capacity of individual clients in Poland is 19.25 million Mg of hard coal. Taking into account prices of coal, calculation of the capacity of value is equal to 15.6 billion złoty per year. In regional terms the author also identified the most attractive in terms of capacity volumes and values Polish province, which included Mazowieckie and Silesia.

This paper reviews the coal policy of Poland. It analyzes the forecasts of production and consumption of hard coal, the size of exports and imports and its importance for the energy sector on the basis of strategic documents. The main aim of the article is to show the role of hard coal in the fuel - energy balance of Poland until 2050. The adoption of appropriate assumptions for each scenario, including the maximum supply of hard coal from domestic mines, coal price curves, CO2emission allowances and several calculations performed allowed to obtain certain results on the basis of which the future role of hard coal was determined.

Precise valuation of the economic efficiency of risky investment projects in the mineral sector has a direct impact on the range of future investments. Since the mid-90s, a number of enterprises have also been giving increased attention to the valuation of managerial flexibility that cannot normally be estimated with classical discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. This has been the result of a development in the real options analysis (ROA) and the simplification of its algorithms, most of which have been achieved through: ♦ incorporating lattice models, ♦ introducing a single uncertain project parameter (gross present value, PV) as an underlying instrument, ♦ assuming that the underlying asset follows the multiplicative stochastic process, ♦ introducing the ‘marketed asset disclaimer’ (MAD) assumption. Unfortunately, in most cases, models constructed on the abovementioned assumptions and modifications are not consistent with real projects. Some analysts recognize that project PVs might not follow the multiplicative process, which could have a direct impact on the project’s value. In order to improve the MAD approach, the paper proposes a modified model where the multiplicative tree is replaced with an additive one. In addition, methods of ‘additive volatility’ calculation and ‘dividend’ adjustments were suggested.

The development of techniques and technologies thanks to which parameters of the ground medium can be modified makes specialists look for new recipes of geopolymers – binders for the reinforcing and sealing of unstable and permeable grounds. The sealing slurries are expected to meet a number of strict requirements, therefore it is important to find new admixtures and additives which could modify the fresh and hardened slurry. Special attention has been recently paid to the fluid ash – a by-product of the combustion of hard coals. However, the use of this additive is associated with the application of appropriate superplastifier. Laboratory analyses of rheological parameters of fresh sealing slurries and the ways of improving their liquidity by a properly selected third-generation superplastifier are presented in the paper. The slurries were based on Portland cement CEM I, milled granulated large-furnace slag and fly ash from fluidized-bed combustion of hard coal.

Streszczenie Artykuł stanowi próbę oceny wpływu parametrów geologicznych i górniczych na poziom przychodów, kosztów oraz wartość przedsięwzięć inwestycyjnych w górnictwie węgla kamiennego. Teza pracy wiąże się z przekonaniem autora, iż w obszar czynników istotnie współokreślających ocenę przychodów, kosztów i efektywność eksploatacji należy wpisać, obok parametrów jakościowych węgla, także uzysk kopaliny. Pomijanie lub pobieżna ocena parametrów jakościowych węgla w pokładach oraz wpływu uzysku na postęp i koszty wydobycia może istotnie zniekształcać ocenę potencjału konkretnych aktywów geologiczno-górniczych. Dotyczy to w szczególności wydobycia w nowych rejonach wydobywczych lub też nowych złożach. Do badań symulacyjnych zbudowano dedykowany model oceny pozwalający skwantyfikować kierunek i siłę wpływu wartości opałowej, zawartości popiołu i siarki oraz współczynnika uzysku węgla netto (UWN) na poziom i zmienność łącznych przychodów, kosztów i ostatecznie wartość projektów geologiczno-górniczych. W tym celu opracowano również autorskie formuły szacowania kosztów stałych i zmiennych w funkcji zmiennego UWN. Rezultaty badań przedstawiono ostatecznie w konwencji analizy scenariuszowej. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na istotny wpływ wartości opałowej i ilości skały płonnej mierzonej zmiennością uzysku węgla netto na poziom generowanych przychodów, kosztów oraz prognozowane miary oceny działalności operacyjnej hipotetycznej kopalni węgla kamiennego. Wykazano, że zmiana o 1 GJ wartości opałowej może powodować od 3,57% do 4,76% wzrostu/spadku łącznych przychodów. W przypadku złóż węgla kamiennego, dla których realny uzysk węgla może wahać się w przedziale 60–80% można oczekiwać zmiany kosztów wydobycia węgla nawet o 53,0% w tym zakresie. Błąd oszacowania NPV, przy zmienności wartości opałowej w przedziale 21–27 GJ/Mg, może wahać się w przedziale 0–78%, natomiast spadek uzysku węgla o 18 pkt. może obniżać wycenę działalności operacyjnej kopalni nawet o 872,4%, co wynika z cech metody NPV i opracowanego scenariusza bazowego (NPV ≈ 0). W publikacji nie wyczerpano zakresu analizowanej problematyki. Artykuł stanowi część większej całości prac nad sformułowaniem wytycznych (wskazówek) pozwalających właściwie szacować wartość aktywów geologiczno-górniczych w warunkach zmiennych parametrów geologicznych i górniczych, biorąc pod uwagę dodatkowo błędy oszacowania wartości średnich cech jakościowych wydobywanej kopaliny.

The paper presents an author’s method of eco-efficiency assessment of mining production processes in hard coal mines, which enables integrating results of evaluating both environmental and economic aspects. The proposed method uses life cycle approach to assess environmental efficiency and the result of operating activities to assess economic efficiency. The comprehensive method of assessing mining production processes was proposed as the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) in hard coal mines in Poland to be used to support decision making in mining companies.

Streszczenie Wykazywanie zasobów złóż kopalin oraz podawanie tych informacji do wiedzy publicznej stanowi istotne zagadnienie w odniesieniu do zasadności prowadzenia działalności gospodarczej w branży geologiczno-górniczej. Od szeregu lat w przestrzeni międzynarodowej funkcjonuje system raportowania i klasyfikacji zasobów kopalin stałych bazujący na australijskim kodeksie JORC. Dokument ten, honorowany przez giełdy, przedstawia minimum standardów i wytyczne niezbędne do rzetelnego i wiarygodnego wykazywania zasobów złóż; kodeks JORC stosuje dwie podstawo­we kategorie zasobów: resources i resenres, z których pierwsza odnosi się do zapasów (zasobów bilansowych) kopaliny, a druga do zasobów wydobywalnych - czyli wielkości możliwych do wy­dobycia przy uwzględnieniu aktualnie dostępnych środków technicznych i obecnych kryteriów ekonomicznych. Układ klasyfikacji jest hierarchiczny - zasoby resen/es stanowią podzbiór zapasów. Wraz z napływem informacji geologicznej wśród tych ostatnich wyróżnia się zasoby domniemane (inferred), oznaczone (indicated) oraz zmierzone (measured), natomiast w obrębie pierwszych - zasoby prawdopodobne (probable) i pewne (proved). Zasoby bilansowe zmierzone oraz wy doby walne pewne stanowią najlepiej rozpoznane partie złóż. W związku z sukcesem JORC wiele krajów wprowadziło bazujące na nim własne, narodowe kodeksy wykazywania zasobów. Kodeksy te sku­pione są w obrębie CRIRSCO - Komitecie Międzynarodowych Standardów Wykazywania Zasobów Kopalin [stałych]. Polska klasyfikacja zasobów ma hierarchiczny charakter - z łącznych zasobów geologicznych wyodrębnia się zasoby bilansowe obejmujące zasoby przemysłowe i nieprzemysłowe. W zależności od zakresu wiedzy geologicznej zasoby wykazuje się w pięciu kategoriach rozpoznania: D, C2, Cj, B i A. Po odjęciu strat i uwzględnieniu zubożenia otrzymuje się zasoby eksploatacyjne. Jak do­tychczas, pomimo doświadczeń rosyjskich w tym zakresie, w Polsce nie wypracowano standardu harmonizującego system polski i międzynarodowy. Treść niniejszego artykułu przedstawia pro­pozycję takiego dostosowania.

Streszczenie Rtęć dość powszechnie występuje zarówno w węglu brunatnym, jak i kamiennym. Uważa się, że w substancji mineralnej węgla powiązana jest ona głównie z pirytem, a w substancji organicznej z grupami tiolowymi. Niemniej jednak spotykane są również węgle, w których rtęć w znacznych ilościach powiązana jest z węglanami i krzemianami. Można by zatem oczekiwać, że ilość występującej w węglu rtęci powinna być skorelowana z zawartością substancji mineralnej czy zawartością popiołu. Jednak w literaturze informacje na temat takiej korelacji są sprzeczne. W niektórych pracach stwierdzono, że rosnącej zawartości popiołu towarzyszy zwiększona zawartość rtęci, natomiast w innych taka prawidłowość nie była obserwowana. Celem pracy było wyjaśnienie powiązania między występowaniem rtęci i siarki w substancji mineralnej polskich węgli kamiennych. W tym celu przebadano populację odpadów z procesu wzbogacania węgli kamiennych, charakteryzujących się relatywnie niską zawartością substancji organicznej. Wyjaśnienie sposobu powiązania rtęci i siarki w substancji mineralnej posiada nie tylko aspekt poznawczy, ale może być też wykorzystane dla optymalizacji procesów usuwania rtęci z węgla, jak też może być pomocne dla opracowania i udoskonalenia aktualnie stosowanych metod zagos-podarowania odpadów górniczych. Badane odpady charakteryzowaly się zróżnicowaną zawartością rtęci w zakresie od 55 do 249 μg/kg (w przeliczeniu na stan suchy). Dla 9 spośród 14 rozpatrywanych przypadków zawartość rtęci w odpadach była wyższa niż w surowym urobku węglowym, a w pozostalych przypadkach zawartość ta była nieznacznie niższa. Analizując poszczególne operacje wzbogacania nie można sformułować zasadniczych wniosków co do występowania rtęci w odpadach. Dla każdej z analizowanych operacji wzbogacania występują zarówno odpady o niższej, jak i wyższej zawartości rtęci. Odnotowano natomiast, że zawartość rtęci w odpadach dla różnych kopalń może się dość zasadniczo różnić. Przykładowo, dla jednej z rozpatrywanych kopalń wszystkie odpady charakteryzowały się niską zawartością rtęci, podczas gdy dla innej – bardzo wysoką. Wiązać to należy z różną naturą surowego węgla z tych kopalń. Analiza statystyczna wykazała, że zawartość rtęci w odpadach istotnie skorelowana jest z zawartością siarki pirytowej, całkowitej i siarczanowej, przy czym najwyższy współczynnik determinacji R2 uzyskano dla siarki pirytowej. W świetle uzyskanych wyników można więc wnioskować, że występowanie rtęci i pirytu w substancji mineralnej badanych węgli kamiennych jest wzajemnie ze sobą powiązane. Brak istotnej korelacji z występowaniem rtęci w odpadach stwierdzono dla substancji mineralnej i popiołu. Tłumaczyć to można występowaniem rtęci w substancji mineralnej w powiązaniu nie tylko z pirytem, ale także z innymi jej składnikami, których udział może być zróżnicowany. Stwierdzono ponadto, że w przypadkach odpadów zawierających znacznie więcej rtęci niż wyjściowy urobek węglowy (powyżej 40 μg/kg), odpady te posiadały jednocześnie wysoką zawartość siarki pirytowej (powyżej 0,30%). Dla takich węgli należy więc oczekiwać skutecznej redukcji zawartości rtęci w węglu w efekcie jego wzbogacania.

Streszczenie W powyższej publikacji, opisując badania o charakterze podstawowym, zaprezentowano jeden ze sposobów wyznaczenia stałych współczynników w filtracji grawitacyjnej, występujących w ogólnym równaniu filtracji (Piecuch 2009, 2010). Wykonano badania laboratoryjne dotyczące filtracji grawitacyjnej, stosując jako zmienne: objętość nadawy (1 dm3; 1,5 dm3; 2 dm3), stopień jej zagęszczenia (10 g/dm3, 20 g/dm3, 30 g/dm3, 40 g/dm3) oraz napór średni słupa cieczy. Jako zanieczyszczenie nadawy użyto węgla kamiennego o klasie ziarnowej zawartej w granicach od 0,315 do 0,5 mm, która była większa od średnicy oczek na siatce filtracyjnej. Przy tak modelowanym doświadczeniu zagęszczenie filtratu było równe zero. Jest to ważne dla przeniesienia badań o charakterze podstawowym na badania o charakterze aplikacyjnym. Na podstawie otrzymanych wyników sporządzono ich graficzne oraz tabelaryczne zestawienie. W pierwszej serii badań oraz obliczeń określono wartość stałej siatki filtracyjnej t', która rosła wraz ze wzrostem ciśnienia filtracji. W drugiej serii badań oraz obliczeń określono wartość stałego współczynnika b, występującego w równaniu oporu osadu i w ogólnym równaniu filtracji (Piecuch 2009, 2010). Stwierdzono, że wraz ze wzrostem zagęszczenia nadawy, wzrasta wartości stałego współczynnika filtracji grawitacyjnej określanego symbolem b, natomiast proces filtracji grawitacyjnej przebiega wolniej. Z wrócono uwagę, że dla przyjętego w obliczeniach układu jednostek SI, wartości obydwu wyznaczonych współczynników t' oraz b stanowią liczby wielocyfrowe o wartościach bardzo dużych (t') oraz bardzo małych ułamków (b). W tym odniesieniu obliczenia nie są łatwe.

The article presents results of experimental tests of energy parameters of hard coals under loading, collected from research sites located within five main geologic structures of Upper Silesian Coal Basin (GZW) - Main Trough, Main Anticline, Bytom Trough, Rybnik Trough and Chwałowice Trough. Coals from12 mines were analysed, starting with seams of group 200, through groups 400, 500, 600 and, finally, seams of group 700. Coal of each of the groups of seams underwent uniaxial compression stress of the energy parameters, in a servo-controlled testing machine MTS-810NEW, for the full range of strain of the tested coal samples. Based on the tests the dependence of different types of specific energy of longitudinal strain of coals on the value of uniaxial compression strength was determined. The dependence of the value of dissipated energy and kinetic energy of coals on the uniaxial compression strength was described with a linear function, both for coals which due to their age belong to various bed sand for various lithotypes of coal. An increase in the value of dissipated energy and in kinetic energy was observed, which was correlated with an increase in uniaxial compression strength of coal. The share of dissipated energy is dominant in the total energy of strain. Share of recoverable energy in the total energy of strain is small, independent of the compression strength of coals and is at most a few per cent high. In coals of low strength and dominant share of dissipated energy, share of recoverable energy is the biggest among the tested coals. It was shown that following an increase in compression strength the share of recoverable energy decreases, while the share of dissipated energy in the total energy increases. Further studies of specific energy of longitudinal strain of rocks in the full-range strain will be the next step inperfecting methodology of research into natural rock burst susceptibility of Carboniferous rock mass and changes in the susceptibility resulting from mining activity.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of coal mine waters on water quality in the Vistula River. Water samples for laboratory analysis were collected in 2011 and 2012 on one kilometer long section of the river. Basic parameters were measured at the collection spot. The study asseses the dynamics of physicochemical water properties, fulfillment of the quality requirements necessary to introduce contaminated water into the river, water salinity, quality, and utility values. The study indicates that water quality of the Vistula River has been rapidly decreasing as a result of coal mine water introduction. Water becomes degraded, unfavourable for fish communities and unsuitable for use by people. Coal mine water contamination exceeds allowable pollution levels stated by legal regulations. Self-purification of the river is efficient as contamination levels decrease at the length of the examined section of the river.

Discharges of radium-carrying mine waters from hard coal mining in the area of the Fossa Eugeniana and the Rheinberger Altrhein in Germany have caused elevated radioactivity in sediments and soils. Extensive measurements of the ambient dose rate revealed some small area contaminations as well as a larger one in a nature protection area at the Rheinberger Altrhein. For the evaluation of the potential radiation exposure investigations of the activity concentrations of river sediments, soils, and biological materials were performed. The potential exposure of members of the public was modelled on the basis of the German Guidelines for the Calculation of Radiation Exposure due to Radioactivity from Mining Activities. In the assessment the present situation as well as its possible future development was considered.

The effect of hard coal ashes on the amount and quality of maize yield The research was conducted in 2003 - 2005 as a pot experiment on mineral soil to which ash doses of between 13.33 g and 800.0 g · pot-1 were supplied in proportions corresponding to the amounts of between 10 and 600 t · ha-1. The investigations aimed at learning the effect of diversified ash doses upon the content, ionic relations and the uptake of Mg, Ca, Na and P by maize. Macroelement concentrations in maize were diversified depending on the object and the plant part, fluctuating from 1.52 - 7.49 g Mg; 3.79 - 11.01 g Ca; 8.07 - 23.86 g K; 0.17 - 1.52 g Na; 1.23 - 3.16 g P · kg-1 d.m. It was found that with the growing ash dose the contents of Mg, Ca, K and Na in maize were increasing systematically, whereas P concentrations were decreasing. Magnesium and potassium content in maize aboveground parts met the requirements for a good quality fodder. The level of calcium, sodium and phosphorus in maize did not remain within the optimal range. A systematic increase in Mg uptake but a decline in P absorption by the aboveground parts were registered in maize in effect of growing ash doses.

The influence of a hard coal type on the degree of sulphur dioxide removal In this paper the authors have studied the properties of zeolite and montmorillonite doped with the nickel and cobalt cations in the removal of SO2 from the combustion gases process based on the DESONOX method. Burning coal from the hard coal from the Silesian Coal Basin mine "Julian" and the Lubelskie Coal Basin mine "Bogdanka" with supports only - did not show any reduction of the SO2 emission in the combustion gases.