They're repairing the heap at an accelerated pace. The work isn't over yet.

• We are talking about the largest part in terms of area, the so-called Pokój II, covering over 11 hectares.
• The fire was extinguished, the area was secured and re-formed.
• Now it's time to extinguish and repair the second - smaller - part of the dump.

According to the Mine Restructuring Company (SRK) , the fire-affected Pokój II mining waste dump in Ruda Śląska has been repaired ahead of schedule. The over 11-hectare area has undergone remediation. The burned material was excavated, cooled, and then mixed with special non-flammable materials.

"We take specific actions based on the best knowledge and experience"

The extinguishing of the spoil heap, i.e. the most burdensome work, according to declarations made to residents in February this year, was completed in June.

- As a resident of Ruda Śląska, I take particular care to ensure that the heap's reclamation is carried out safely and effectively - emphasizes Jarosław Wieszołek, president of SRK.

"Although the problem has persisted for years and arouses understandable emotions, today we are taking concrete action based on the best knowledge and experience. Thanks to them, this area will be transformed into a green, safe, and useful space. The people of Ruda Śląska will gain not only a greater standard of living, but also a new place to relax. This is our joint, concrete contribution to the transformation of the region and an example of how even the difficult legacy of mining can be transformed into something that serves future generations," adds Jarosław Wieszołek.

This is a demanding task, as nearly 800,000 cubic meters of earth were used during the fire suppression. The entire area has already been rebuilt and reshaped into a new structure. This completes the major reclamation work on part of the Pokój II dump. In spring, grass will grow there, and the entire area will be green.

As SRK points out, as announced, the contractor has also implemented a procedure for residents, businesses, and institutions of Ruda Śląska to submit claims related to the ongoing reclamation work. Claims can be submitted to the following email address: [email protected].

Meanwhile, reclamation work on the second part of the dump – Room I – is entering a crucial phase. The contractor is beginning demolition and firefighting, which may temporarily cause a nuisance to nearby buildings. The area affected by the underground fire covers just over 2 hectares, almost five times smaller than the already repaired section.

Eventually, greenery will appear on the heap

Since mid-2024, containment work has been underway. This involves removing the burned material to a depth where elevated temperatures are not present. It is then transported to a cooled area. After mixing with other inert material, it is returned to the heap.

The entire structure is being laid in layers, maintaining appropriate insulation to prevent future self-heating of the material. Meticulous research preceded the commencement of the entire operation. Appropriate design documentation has been developed, and work is being carried out in accordance with industry practice. Finally, greenery will appear on the heap.

According to experts, this method is the only one that, firstly, stops the further spread of the underground fire and, secondly, guarantees the quickest containment of the threat. Leaving the fire burning or choosing another, more time-consuming method would risk further expanding the fire, thus drastically increasing atmospheric emissions of compounds originating from the heap's interior.

Air quality tests are also carried out systematically.

Air quality tests are also regularly conducted on-site. How did the Mine Restructuring Company (Kompał Restrukturyzacji Kopalń) come to be responsible for extinguishing the spoil heap and restoring it to a safe and usable condition? This is an area degraded by the Pokój mine's operations.

The Mine Restructuring Company (Spółka Restrukturyzacji Kopalń) is engaged in the effective development, reclamation, and revitalization of acquired post-mining areas. It also supports local governments by transferring post-industrial land, facilities, and infrastructure, thereby creating levers for development.