OKD has completed refurbishment of the Paskov Mine hoisting equipment

OSTRAVA (January 14, 2009) – OKD has completed the refurbishment process of the hoisting equipment located at the concrete hoisting tower at Staříč Site, Paskov Mine last week. The investment worth CZK 30 million shall significantly improve safety and increase the productivity of coal production.

“We have replaced those skip parts that were worn out by long-term operations with state-of-the-art equipment. For example, the old pneumatic friction disk braking system was replaced with new hydraulic disk brakes. Similar brakes are nowadays used in most heavy-duty vehicles,” explained Vladislav Szmek, Paskov Mine General Manager.

The entire line transporting coal from underground to the surface including, among others, central coal bunkers was subject to refurbishment. Before the repair works could have started, bunkers had to be cleaned by the members of the HBZS climbing squad.

“We were taking advantage of the end-of-the-year period in particular; some works were also carried out on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Day. The refurbishment process was successfully completed in the first days of January,” added Mr. Szmek. These works were carried out by employees of OKD, VOKD and INCO.

Refurbishment of hoisting equipment shall proceed at OKD in the coming months. The POP 2010 roadheader and longwall equipment deliveries continue as well as the replacement of employee personal protective equipment.

(Vladislav Sobol)