Poland’s JSW launches two longwalls at Pniówek mine with 1.4 million tons of coal reserves

Longwall faces are equipped with modern automation systems for more efficient and safe mining

Polish mining company Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa (JSW) has announced the launch of two new longwalls at its Pniówek mine. Their total reserves amount to about 1.4 million tons of high-quality coking coal. This is the next step in restoring production capacity after the 2022 accident that temporarily shut down some of the production fronts, according to a press release.

The first of the new longwalls, B-1 in the 404/4+405/1 seam, which was launched in early March this year, is more than 1 km long and contains about 1 million tons of coking coal. It is equipped with a fully automated complex that includes 113 sections of mechanized support, a conveyor system and a modern shearer with the function of monitoring the height of excavation and undercutting. This is the first use of such equipment at the mine. In addition, an automated support control system allows the mine to operate in full or partial autonomy, and an irrigation system helps reduce dust in the face.

The second longwall, N-4 in the 404/4 seam, is 210 m long, 730 m wide and 2.1 m high. In total, five longwalls are currently in operation at the mine. Another one, C-2, is being prepared for launch, and nine new longwalls in different seams are planned to be commissioned by the end of the year.

According to Adam Rozmus, JSW’s Vice President of Technical and Operations, the new projects are being implemented as part of the Effective Mine initiative. Its goal is to improve employee safety and production stability through modern monitoring and process automation technologies.

In 2024, JSW reduced coal production by 9.3% (12.3 million tons) and coke production by 8.6% compared to 2023 amid difficult geology and operational challenges. The company recorded a net loss of PLN 7.3 billion last year.