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Metanowość czynnych kopalń Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego w świetle rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego w sprawie redukcji emisji metanu w sektorze energetycznym

Kędzior Sławomir, Dreger Marcin

Zeszyty Naukowe Instytutu Gospodarki Surowcami Mineralnymi i Energią PAN

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2026

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nr 114

181--193

PL

Ograniczenie globalnej emisji metanu, drugiego po dwutlenku węgla uciążliwego gazu cieplarnianego, staje się przedmiotem regulacji na szczeblu międzynarodowym. Rozporządzenie Parlamentu Europejskiego (PE) z 13 czerwca 2024 roku (nr 2024/1787) w sprawie redukcji emisji metanu w sektorze energetycznym przewiduje limity emisyjne metanu dla kopalń wydobywających węgiel energetyczny wynoszące do 5 t CH4/kilotonę (kt) od 2027 roku i do 3 t CH4/kt wydobytego węgla od 2031 roku. Od 1.01.2025 roku obowiązuje całkowity zakaz emisji metanu ze stacji odmetanowania oraz spalania w pochodni o skuteczności unieszkodliwiania < 99%. Górnośląskie Zagłębie Węglowe (GZW) charakteryzują znaczne ilości metanu zarówno wydzielającego się z pokładów węgla do wyrobisk kopalnianych, jak i emitowanego do atmosfery. Przeanalizowano dane dotyczące emisji metanu z kopalń GZW, uwzględniające szyby wentylacyjne oraz odmetanowanie w wariancie kopalni oraz operatora, i następnie porównano z wytycznymi zawartymi w rozporządzeniu PE dotyczącymi limitów emisji. Przedyskutowano także możliwe działania kopalń zmierzające do redukcji emisji, a zatem do uniknięcia wnoszenia wysokich opłat za ponadnormatywną emisję metanu do atmosfery. Z przeprowadzonej analizy wynika, że żadna kopalnia ani operator w GZW wykazujący emisję metanu nie spełnia wymagań rozporządzenia PE co do limitów emisji. Z uwagi na to, że operatorzy tacy jak Południowy Koncern Węglowy oraz Polska Grupa Górnicza są właścicielami także kopalń niemetanowych lub niewykazujących emisji metanu, po zaliczeniu wydobycia węgla także z tych kopalń raportowanie emisji metanu na operatora okazuje się korzystniejsze niż na kopalnię. Jednakże sposób raportowania emisji na kopalnię czy operatora nie jest kwestią jednoznaczną. Konieczne może zatem okazać się wprowadzenie technologii wychwytujących metan z powietrza wentylacyjnego (VAM) i jego utylizacji. Obecnie realizowanych jest w GZW kilka projektów w tej sprawie, jednakże ich wdrożenie w warunkach pracy kopalń w zagłębiu może być problematyczne. Podobnie przedstawia się problem pełnego wykorzystania metanu ze stacji odmetanowania, z których obecnie wydziela się do atmosfery ok. 30% ujętego metanu.

EN

Reducing global emissions of methane, the second most harmful greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, is becoming the subject of international guideline. Regulation (EC) No. 2024/1787 of the European Parliament of 13 June 2024 on the reduction of methane emissions from the energy sector establishes methane emission limits for thermal coal mines of up to 5 t CH4/kt from 2027 and up to 3 t CH4/kt of extracted coal from 2031. As of January 1, 2025, a complete ban on methane emissions from methane drainage stations and flaring with a disposal efficiency of < 99% has been in force. The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is characterized by significant amounts of methane, both released from coal seams into mine workings and emitted into the atmosphere. Methane emission data from USCB mines, including ventilation shafts and methane drainage for both the mine and operator variants, were analyzed and compared with the guidelines contained in the European Parliament’s (EP) regulation regarding emission limits. Possible actions by mines to reduce emissions and thus avoid high fees for excessive methane emissions into the atmosphere were also discussed. The analysis shows that no mine or operator in USCB reporting methane emissions meets the requirements of the EP regulation regarding emission limits. Because operators such as Południowy Koncern Węglowy and Polska Grupa Górnicza also own mines that do not emit methane or do not report methane, after including coal production from these mines, reporting methane emissions per operator proves more beneficial than per mine. However, the method of reporting emissions per mine or per operator is not clear-cut. Therefore, it may be necessary to introduce technologies that capture and utilize methane from ventilation air (VAM). Several projects are currently underway in the USCB, but their implementation in the operating conditions of the coal mines in the basin may be problematic. A similar challenge is the full utilization of methane from methane drainage stations, which currently release approximately 30% of the captured methane into the atmosphere.

2

Dynamika zapadlisk w rejonie Trzebini – stan na koniec 2025 r.

Kamieniarz Sylwester, Wódka Marcin

Przegląd Geologiczny

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2026

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Vol. 74, nr 3

233--240

EN

The article presents an assessment of the dynamics of sinkholes that formed or were reactivated in the area affected by the former Siersza Hard Coal Mine after 14 July 2023. Differential analyses were carried out based on airborne laser scanning data acquired on behalf of the Polish Geological Institute - National Research Institute (PGI-NRT; years 2024¬2025), supplemented with data available in the national geodetic and cartographic resource (years 2022-2024). Reports submitted by external entities were also taken into account. As a result of the research, the formation or reactivation of a total of 12 sinkholes was docu¬mented. The research indicates a decrease in the dynamics of the phenomenon compared with previous years.

3

Analiza petrograficzna próbek rdzeni wiertniczych na przykładzie skał miocenu z otworu wiertniczego Bielowicko IG

Kuberska Marta, Kozłowska Aleksandra

Przegląd Geologiczny

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2025

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Vol. 73, nr 4

398--404

EN

The paper presents the results of a detailed petrographic study of rock samples from the Dębowiec Beds, obtained using a number of different analytical methods (microscopic analysis, CL, SEM, EDS ISIS, XRD). The Bielowicko IG 1 borehole, one of many located in the south-western part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin margin, was subjected to detailed analysis due to the need for geological exploration of potential CO2 storage sites. The samples represent fine-grained conglomerates and predominantly medium-grained sandstones classified as subarkose and sublithic arenites. The conglomerates are polymictic with a predominance of clasts of sedimentary origin. Carbonate minerals (calcite, dolomite), authigenic quartz, clay minerals (illite, chlorite, kaolinite) and iron hydroxides have been identified as cement of these rocks. There is also pseudomatrix formedfrom the grinding of soft clasts of clay rocks. Sandstones and conglomerates were subjected to numerous diagenetic processes, such as mechanical and chemical compaction, cementation, replacement, dissolution and alteration of unstable components. The effects of dissolution and alteration are observed as secondary intragranular and intercrystalline porosity. The sediments are characterized by modest porosity (average about 10%) and very poor permeability. The pre-selected Cieszyn-Skoczów-Czechowice reservoir, within which the Bielowicko IG 1 borehole is located, was ranked as having the highest potential for CO2 storage in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin margin.

4

Franciszek Bartonec (1850-1924) - górnik i geolog, badacz Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego

Wójcik Andrzej J.

Kwartalnik Historii Nauki i Techniki

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2025

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T. 70, nr 2

85--116

EN

Geological studies are a continuous learning process that many individuals pursue throughout their careers. One such researcher was Franciszek Bartonec, a miner and geologist who dedicated his professional life to exploring the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The main objective of this article is to present Bartonec’s professional contributions. A thorough search of archival sources and journal publications was conducted, resulting in the first comprehensive compilation of his publications and geological maps. Bartonec was an expert in both geology and mining, and his work deserves greater recognition. To date, however, only a commemorative stone with a plaque has been erected in his home village of Budziszowice. Notably, 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of Bartonec’s death and the 130th anniversary of the publication of his geological map of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin.

5

Impact of multiple mining subsidence on large diameter steel pipelines: the Upper Silesian Coal Basin case study

Kalisz Piotr, Zięba Magdalena, Grygierek Marcin

Journal of Sustainable Mining

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2025

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Vol. 24, iss. 4

461--471

EN

The article concerns the impact of multiple mining subsidence on pipeline expansion capacity based on the analysis of the field research results. The article presents a case study related to a water mains system that supplies drinking water to approximately 3.5 million consumers. These pipelines are made of steel with diameters of 1600 mm and 1400 mm. The water mains partly run through mining and postmining areas in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. These pipelines are equipped with expansion joints to protect them against the impact of ground deformations. The field research concerned the assessment of the position of pipes ends in the expansion joints using ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic flow detector. The assessment of the expansion capacity of the water mains was necessary to determine the resistance of the pipelines to further mining impact. The analysis of the results of the field research showed that permanent displacements of pipes ends in the expansion joints occur under mining impact. This may lead to failures that reduce the resistance of the pipelines to further mining ground deformations.

6

The most important factors contributing to the effective development of abandoned mine methane resources in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

Hadro Jerzy, Jureczka Janusz, Strzemińska Katarzyna, Suszka Grzegorz

Geological Quarterly

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2025

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Vol. 69, No. 2

art., no. 23

EN

Abandoned mine methane (AMM) is a by-product of the underground mining of gassy coal seams. Closed and abandoned mines have the potential of accumulating gas which is continuously released over many years after the end of mining. The commercial development of AMM resources is beneficial because economic profits are combined with environmental and safety benefits. Since several gassy coal mines have been closed in recent years, a considerable AMM potential may exist in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). To assess AMM resource potential in the USCB, a research project was conducted by the Upper Silesian Branch of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI). The project revealed deficiencies in the existing approach to the AMM resource evaluation methodology, and thus a new dynamic method of AMM resources/reserves estimation was developed. The new method was used to estimate the AMM reserves of the seven abandoned mining areas considered prospective for AMM development in the USCB. The results demonstrated that the recovery and utilization of AMM is poorly developed in the USCB. Only three commercial AMM development projects have been implemented over the last 20 years, with a cumulative production of 70 million m3. An understanding of factors contributing to the effective development of AMM resources is important for the long-term planning of AMM utilization in the USCB. Four groups of these factors have been identified based on the PGI-NRI project findings and each group is discussed in detail in this paper. The factors of the first group refer to the knowledge of geological and structural conditions which control permeability and methane content distribution in the basin. The remaining three groups of factors are related to breaking down existing barriers that have common roots in the legal and administrative system, in which appropriate changes are proposed in this article.

7

Time variability of methane extraction from hard coal deposits in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland) in relation to geological and mining conditions

Kędzior Sławomir, Dreger Marcin

Journal of Sustainable Mining

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2023

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Vol. 22. iss. 2

89--99

EN

The extraction and economical use of methane from coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland (USCB) have shown a variable tendency in recent decades, with numerous ﬂuctuations from year to year. In 2021, approximately 286 million m3 of methane was collected from coal mines, which accounted for approximately 40% of the total emissions of this gas to mine workings. Due to the fact that the economical use of coal mine methane brings environmental, economic and work safety beneﬁts, increasing its extraction is an urgent need. Trends in changes in the amount of mined methane in the entire USCB and in the deposits where the most methane was extracted in the last 25 years were analysed. The most important potential factors inﬂuencing the variability of coal mine gas extraction were taken into account, i.e. elements of the geological structure, coal extraction, methane emissions, mining and technical conditions, etc. The directions for using the collected methane and the main consumers were discussed. The aim is to indicate the most important problems faced by coal mining in terms of the capture and management of methane over the last 25 years and to outline possible solutions.

8

Toxic elements in carboniferous sedimentary rocks from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

Kokowska-Pawłowska Magdalena, Krzeszowska Ewa

Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi

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2023

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T. 39, z. 1

63--86

EN

Trace elements contained in rocks, especially those classified as potentially toxic elements (PTEs), can be largely harmful. Knowledge of the geochemical composition of waste is of great importance due to the potential possibility of contamination with these elements in the environment. The paper presents the geochemical characteristics of the sedimentary rocks from the Carboniferous coal-bearing series of the USCB. The present study used data for 120 samples from borehole WSx representing Zaleskie layers and Orzeskie layers within the Mudstone Series (Westphalian A, B). Major oxide concentrations (Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, P2O5, K2O, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, MnO, TiO2, Cr2O3, Ba) were obtained using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The concentration of potentially toxic elements (Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U) was analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. As there are no relevant standards for the content of toxic elements in post-mining waste stored in dumps, the concentrations of elements were compared to their share in the Upper Continental Crust. Most elements, such as B, Sc, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sb, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U had higher mean concentrations than those of the Upper Continental Crust (UC). Concentrations of the analyzed toxic elements in the studied samples did not exceed permissible values for soils, therefore they are not a potential threat to the environment. The results of the Pearson correlation analysis showed differing relationships among the analyzed toxic elements in the studied samples.

PL

Pierwiastki śladowe zawarte w skałach, zwłaszcza te zaliczane do pierwiastków potencjalnie toksycznych (PTE), mogą być w dużej mierze szkodliwe. Znajomość składu geochemicznego odpadów ma duże znaczenie ze względu na potencjalne możliwości zanieczyszczenia środowiska tymi pierwiastkami. W pracy przedstawiono geochemiczną charakterystykę skał osadowych z serii węglonośnej GZW. W niniejszej pracy wykorzystano dane dla 120 próbek z otworu wiertniczego WSx reprezentujące warstwy zaleskie i orzeskie Serii Mułowcowej (westfal A, B). Stężenia głównych tlenków (Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, P2O5, K2O, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, MnO, TiO2, Cr2O3, Ba) oznaczono metodą fluorescencji rentgenowskiej. Stężenie pierwiastków potencjalnie toksycznych (Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, i U) analizowano za pomocą spektrometrii mas z plazmą sprzężoną indukcyjnie. Ze względu na brak odpowiednich norm dotyczących zawartości pierwiastków toksycznych w odpadach pogórniczych składowanych na składowiskach porównano stężenia pierwiastków z ich udziałem w górnej części skorupy ziemskiej (UC). Większość pierwiastków, takich jak B, Sc, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sb, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th i U, miała wyższe średnie koncentracje niż koncentracje w górnej części skorupy ziemskiej Stężenia analizowanych pierwiastków toksycznych w badanych próbkach nie przekraczały wartości dopuszczalnych dla gleb, dlatego nie stanowią potencjalnego zagrożenia dla środowiska. Wyniki analizy korelacji Pearsona wykazały różne zależności między analizowanymi pierwiastkami toksycznymi w badanych próbach.

9

Geochemistry of the carboniferous coal-bearing series and the miocene cover within the Upper Silesian Coal Basin - a case study

Krzeszowska Ewa

Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi

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2023

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T. 39, z. 4

107--122

EN

This paper presents geochemical data for 171 core samples of the Carboniferous coal-bearing series and the Miocene cove from the central part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Major oxide concentrations (Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, P2O5, K2O, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, MnO, TiO2, and Cr2O3) were obtained using XRF. Trace and major elements (Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, U, Cr, V, Mn, As, Th, Sr, Cd, Sb, Bi, Ba, Ti, W, Zr, Ce, Nb, Ta, Be Sc) were analysed ICP-MS. The main goals of this study were to demonstrate the distribution, as well as the stratigraphical variability, of the selected elements and to determine whether chemostratigraphy tools could be effectively applied to analyze Carboniferous and Miocene deposits of the USCB. Geochemical studies have shown showed different geochemical features of the samples from the Carboniferous and the Miocene. The diversity is mainly expressed in the enrichment of Miocene sediments in Ca and Sr related to biogenic carbonate material. It was also stated that the concentrations of trace elements associated with the detrital fraction, such as Zn, Cr, Co, Ba, Ti, Zr, Nb, and Sc show slightly higher values in Carboniferous sediments. On the basis of the content of Ti, Zr, and Nb, as well as ratios such as Th/U, Zr/Th, Ti/Zr, and TiO2/K2O, units with different inputs of the terrigenous fraction can be identified in both Carboniferous and Miocene formations. The paper shows that chemostratigraphy can be used as a stratigraphic and correlation tool for the Carboniferous and the Miocene deposits of the USCB.

PL

W pracy przedstawiono dane geochemiczne dla 171 próbek skał osadowych z karbońskiej serii węglonośnej i pokrywy mioceńskiej z centralnej części Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego. Udziały głównych tlenków (Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, P2O5, K2O, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, MnO, TiO2 i Cr2O3)oznaczono za pomocą XRF. Pierwiastki główne i śladowe (Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, U, Cr, V, Mn, As, Th, Sr, Cd, Sb, Bi, Ba, Ti, W, Zr, Ce, Nb, Ta, Be i Sc) analizowano przy pomocy ICP-MS. Głównym celem badań była analiza koncentracji i zmienności stratygraficznej wybranych pierwiastków głównych i śladowych, jak również ocena możliwości stosowania chemostratygrafii w analizie karbońskich i mioceńskich osadów GZW. Badania geochemiczne wykazały odmienne właściwości geochemiczne próbek z karbonu produktywnego oraz miocenu. Zróżnicowanie to wyraża się głównie wzbogaceniem osadów miocenu w Ca i Sr, związane z biogenicznym materiałem węglanowym. Stwierdzono również, że stężenia pierwiastków śladowych, związanych z frakcją detrytyczną, takich jak: Zn, Cr, Co, Ba, Ti, Zr, Nb, Sc, wykazują nieco wyższe wartości w osadach karbonu. Na podstawie koncentracji pierwiastków Ti, Zr i Nb oraz wskaźników geochemicznych Th/U, Zr/Th, Ti/Zr, TiO2/K2O można zidentyfikować jednostki o różnym udziale frakcji terygenicznej, zarówno w osadach karbonu i miocenu. W pracy wykazano, że chemostratygrafia może być z powodzeniem wykorzystywana jako narzędzie stratygraficzne i korelacyjne dla utworów karbonu i miocenu Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego.

10

The fluid flow modeling procedure including a critically stressed fracture analysis of coalbed methane reservoir: a case study of Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Kępiński Michał, Ryder Paweł, Dudek Jacek, Podsobiński Daniel

Geology, Geophysics and Environment

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2023

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Vol. 49, no. 1

53--70

EN

The geomechanical modeling turned out to be an essential component of the hydrocarbon exploration assisting reduction of risk of drilling issues and optimization of hydraulic fracturing treatment. This study provides a workflow of critically stressed fracture (CSF) analysis dedicated for coal layers. The main focus of the paper is applying the 1D mechanical models and following modelling of hydraulic fracturing treatment to describe the fracture behavior under the impact of the stresses at the wellbore scale. Another objective of presented study is demonstration of benefits of 1D and 3D CSF analysis to understand fracture contribution to gained volume of hydrocarbon after fracturing of coal seam. Interpretation of fracture orientation and their behavior is vital to effective development of coal bed methane (CBM) resources as the CSF can be responsible for considerable part of CBM production. Natural fractures and faults contribute to fluid flow through rock. It is often noted that natural fractures may not be critically stressed at ambient stress state. However, during stimulation the optimally oriented natural fracture sets have an inclination to become critically stressed. Hence, understanding of the recent stress state and fracture orientations is significant for well planning and fracturing design. The outcome of this study are comprehensive 1D mechanical Earth models (MEMs) for analyzed wells and explanation of behavior of identified CSF under variable stress state as well as understanding of the connectivity of natural fractures within zone subjected to fracturing treatment.

11

Nowoczesne technologie wiercenia kierunkowego wykorzystane przy wierceniu intersekcyjnego układu otworów

Ćwik Maciej, Adamiak Jacek, Kępiński Michał

Nafta-Gaz

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2021

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R. 77, nr 9

587--592

PL

Artykuł dotyczy wykorzystania technologii wiercenia otworów kierunkowych – tzw. intersekcyjnych, które Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA wykonało w ramach prac badawczych prowadzonych w latach 2016–2021. Projekt miał na celu wykorzystanie nowoczesnych technologii w próbach rozpoznania złóż niekonwencjonalnych – formacji węglowych o niskiej przepuszczalności i niskim ciśnieniu złożowym, otworami wierconymi z powierzchni na terenie Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego. Przedstawiono zasadę gromadzenia się gazu w węglu (zjawisko adsorpcji opisywane modelem Langmuira) oraz sposób eksploatacji przez odwrócenie tego zjawiska i doprowadzenie do desorpcji przy wykorzystaniu odwadniania górotworu przez pompę zamontowaną w otworze pionowym poniżej intersekcji z otworem poziomym (horyzontalnym). Wyjaśniono celowość wiercenia otworu z odcinkiem horyzontalnym jako sposób zwiększenia strefy drenażu formacji produktywnej. W artykule zwrócono uwagę na zagadnienia związane z mechaniką górotworu, a dokładnie z określeniem kierunków naprężeń jako kluczowego parametru przy ustalaniu trajektorii otworów, które mają podlegać szczelinowaniu hydraulicznemu. Orientacja otworu prostopadle do kierunku maksymalnych naprężeń SHmax pozwala osiągać maksymalną wielkość stymulowanej strefy przyodwiertowej podczas zabiegu intensyfikacyjnego. Kluczowym fragmentem artykułu jest opis prac związanych z projektowaniem, a następnie wykonaniem systemu przecinających się (intersekcyjnych) otworów kierunkowych. Pionierskość omawianego projektu polegała zarówno na zastosowaniu technologii namierzania magnetycznego (ang. active magnetic rangening), jak i na wierceniu systemu otworów z jednego „placu” w sąsiedztwie dodatkowego otworu (również intersekcyjnego z otworem pionowym). Wykorzystane technologie wiercenia RSS (ang. rotary steerable system) pozwoliły na zrealizowanie zaprojektowanych trajektorii otworów i trafienie narzędziem o średnicy 6 cali w rurę z włókna szklanego o średnicy 7 cali na głębokości około 850 metrów. We wnioskach autorzy podkreślają innowacyjność wykonanych prac, zarówno w skali firmy, kraju, jak i światowej. Podają również przykłady zastosowania wykorzystanych technologii. Wart podkreślenia jest fakt, że wykonalność zaprojektowanych prac badawczych została potwierdzona w zastosowaniu przemysłowym.

EN

The article examines the use of directional and intersection drilling technology applied by Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG) as part of research work carried out between 2016 and 2021. The project was aimed at using advanced technologies in assessment of prospectivity of unconventional reservoirs – coal formations with low permeability and low pore pressure with wells drilled from the surface in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Firstly, the mechanism of gas accumulation in coal was described (the adsorption phenomenon defined by the Langmuir model), followed by the method of exploitation by desorption using a pump installed in a vertical well below the intersection with a horizontal section. Finally, the expediency of drilling a well with a horizontal section as a way to increase the drainage zone of a productive formation was explained. The article draws attention to the issues related to the geomechanics, and more precisely to the determination of the stress azimuth as a key parameter in determining the optimal trajectory of the wells to be subjected to hydraulic fracturing. The findings suggest that the orientation of the well perpendicular to the direction of the maximum stresses SHmax allows to achieve the maximum stimulated rock volume during the intensification treatment. The key fragment of the paper describes the work related to the design and execution of a system of intersecting directional wells. The pioneering character of the discussed project consisted in both using active magnetic ranging technology and drilling a set of wells from one location. The RSS (rotary sterable system) drilling technology allowed for the execution of the designed well trajectories and for hitting a 7-inch diameter fiberglass pipe at a depth of about 850 meters with a 6-inch diameter tool. The conclusions emphasize the innovativeness of the performed work on the local (company), national and global scale. Examples of the application of the used technologies are also provided. It is worth highlighting that the feasibility of the designed research work has been confirmed in industrial application.

12

Methane emissions and hard coal production in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in relation to the greenhouse effect increase in Poland in 1994-2018

Dreger Marcin

Mining Science

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2021

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Vol. 28

59--77

EN

The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is the largest coal basin in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. It is the most industrialised region in the country. The main natural source of energy is hard coal, which was produced by 65 mines in the early nineties. The USCB geology is very diverse and not homogeneous. Coal deposits situated in the central, southern, and western regions are mostly covered by impermeable Miocene deposits, which helped methane (CH4) to accumulate in the past. Methane is one of the most dangerous natural hazards in Polish underground mining because it is an explosive gas. CH4is also the second strongest greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, but its radiative power is 20–25 times stronger than the radiative power of CO2. Polish coal mines release 470 thousand Mg (average) of CH4 yearly and it contributes to the greenhouse effect increase. Year after year, Upper Silesian coal mines are going to extract hard coal from deeper seams where the methane content in coal seams is much higher. To keep workers safe, CH4 needs to be captured and released to the open-air atmosphere or used in the power and heat production.

13

Zastosowanie modelowań numerycznych do oceny wielkości drgań górotworu w otoczeniu podziemnych wyrobisk górniczych

Chodacki Jacek

Przegląd Górniczy

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2020

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T. 76, nr 4

28--36

PL

Wstrząsy sejsmiczne, wywołane nagłym odprężeniem skał górotworu w pobliżu podziemnych wyrobisk górniczych, stanowią zagrożenie dla ludzi pracujących pod ziemią. Propagująca fala sejsmiczna powoduje gwałtowny wzrost obciążeń dynamicznych, a te są bezpośrednio związane z wielkością drgań ośrodka skalnego. Znajomość parametrów tych drgań wpływa na ocenę stateczności wyrobisk podziemnych oraz pozwala na właściwy dobór obudowy chodnikowej. Jedną z metod umożliwiających prognozowanie parametrów drgań sejsmicznych od wstrząsów górniczych jest Metoda Elementów Spektralnych (SEM). W metodzie tej obliczane są sejsmogramy syntetyczne, które umożliwiają obrazowanie pełnego przebiegu falowego. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki modelowań drgań od wstrząsu o magnitudzie 2.7 w skali Richtera, który wystąpił w dniu 17.04.2018 w kopalni KWK Piast-Ziemowit. Obliczone sejsmogramy wykazują dużą zgodność z rzeczywistymi przebiegami falowymi, zarejstrowanymi w bliskiej odległości od ogniska wstrząsu. Wskazuje to na właściwy dobór parametrów modelu i potwierdza skuteczność metod numerycznych, które mogą stanowić uzupełnienie metod analitycznych w rozwiązywaniu problemów związanych z bezpieczeństwem pracy pod ziemią.

EN

Seismic tremors, caused by sudden relaxation of a rock mass near underground mining excavations, pose a considerable threat to people working underground. The propagating seismic wave causes a rapid increase in the dynamic loads, which are directly related to the amount of rock vibration. Knowledge of the vibration parameters can be used in the assessment of the stability of underground excavations and allows for the proper selection of gallery support. One of the methods for forecasting seismic vibration parameters from mining tremors is the spectral element method (SEM). In this method, synthetic seismograms are calculated to image the full waveform. This article presents the results of modeling vibrations generated by a tremor with a magnitude of 2.7 on the Richter scale; this tremor occurred on April 17, 2018, in the KWK Piast-Ziemowit mine. The calculated seismograms show high compliance with the real waveforms recorded near the source of the tremor. This compliance indicates that the selected model parameters were correct and confirms the effectiveness of numerical methods to complement analytical methods in solving problems related to underground work safety.

14

Analiza interferometryczna zmian powierzchni terenu, wywołanych silnym wstrząsem górotworu Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego w dniu 13.01.2020 o magnitudzie ML=4.0

Kura Karol

Przegląd Górniczy

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2020

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T. 76, nr 5

19--27

PL

Przedstawiono zastosowanie techniki satelitarnej interferometrii różnicowej (DInSAR) do monitorowania zmian powierzchni terenu, jakie wystąpiły w wyniku wstrząsu górniczego o energii sejsmicznej E= 3∙109J (magnituda ML=4.0), który miał miejsce 13.01.2020 r. w Górnośląskim Zagłębiu Węglowym, w południowej części kopalni Budryk. Dla określenia wielkości zmian powierzchni terenu, które miały miejsce przed i po wystąpieniu wstrząsu, zastosowano zobrazowania SAR wykonane przez satelity Sentinel-1. Został przeprowadzony cały proces analizy interferometrycznej, to jest sprawdzono koherencję poszczególnych zobrazowań, wygenerowano 7 interferogramów oraz wyznaczono przemieszczenia powierzchni terenu. Na interferogramie obejmującym czas bezpośrednio po wystąpieniu wstrząsu uwidacznia się bardzo wyraźna niecka obniżeniowa. Maksymalne obniżenie powierzchni wyniosło w tym czasie 35 mm. Kilkanaście dni przed powyższym wstrząsem górotworu obserwowane były również wyniesienia powierzchni terenu na obszarze większym niż sama niecka obniżeniowa. Opracowane wyniki pozwoliły na potwierdzenie możliwości wykorzystania metody satelitarnej interferometrii radarowej, jako narzędzia do szybkiego i precyzyjnego wyznaczania wielkości i zasięgu zmian na powierzchni terenu, powstałych wskutek wystąpienia silnego wstrząsu górniczego.

EN

The application of the satellite differential interferometry (DInSAR) technique to monitor changes in the terrain surface as a result of mining tremor, with seismic energy E = 3∙109J (local magnitude ML=4.0) has been presented. Above mentioned tremor took place on January 13, 2020 in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in southern part of Budryk mine. To estimate the magnitude of the terrain surface changes that occurred before and after this tremor, SAR images from Sentinel-1 satellites were used. The whole process of interferometric analysis was carried out - the coherence of individual images was checked, 7 interferograms were generated and the surface displacements were determined. A very clear subsidence trough is visible on the interferogram imediately after the occurrence of analyzed mining tremor. The maximum subsidence of the surface, at that time reached 35 mm. A dozen or so days before the mining tremors, elevations of the land surface were also observed in an area larger than the subsidence basin itself. The developed results allowed to confirm the method of satellite radar interferometry as a tool for quick and precise determination of the size and extent of changes on the surface of the terrain where strong mining tremor occurred.

15

Evaluation of undeveloped hard coal deposits and estimation of hard coal reserves in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Urych Tomasz, Chećko Jarosław, Rosa Marek, Wątor Anna

Journal of Sustainable Mining

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2020

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Vol. 19, iss. 4

230--242

EN

The article presents the results of works concerning evaluation of undeveloped deposits in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and an estimation of hard coal reserves which can be developed by 2050. Evaluation of hard coal deposits was established on criterions choice and their score determination. On the basis of obtained the final score and after consultations with experts in the field of hard coal mining, there were selected three areas of undeveloped deposits with the amount of about 1.99 Gt (billion metric tons) of anticipated economic resources which can extend the coal reserve base located in the direct vicinity of operating hard coal mines. Additionally, one undeveloped coal deposit with estimated resources amounts to about 1.15 Gt was selected as a potential deposit whose resources could be included in the reserves of operating mines, up to the depth of 1,500 metres. Deposit areas were selected and hard coal reserves were estimated with a view to building new coal mines. For Oświęcim-Polanka deposit, there was built a 3D geological model with estimated the amount of 924 Mt (million metric tons) of anticipated economic resources of coal. An example of a deposit development with ventilation, extraction and transport/haulage underground roadways connecting coal seams with the surface are presented. The designed mine working was placed in the 3D geological deposit model which is a useful tool for designing spatial deposit management.

16

The geotouristic attractiveness of the underground trails in Zabrze, Dąbrowa Górnicza and Tarnowskie Góry towns (Silesian Upland)

Dzięgiel Maciej

Geotourism / Geoturystyka

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2020

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nr 1-2 (60-61)

23--38

EN

In Zabrze, Dąbrowa Górnicza and Tarnowskie Góry towns, seven underground tourist trails are located in historical mines. Four of them were developed in the central part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, two of which, at the “Królowa Luiza” (“Queen Louise”) Adit (comprising the former coal mine “Królowa Luiza” and the drainage Main Key Hereditary Adit remnant), and two others at the “Guido” Mine in Zabrze town. The next one was developed in the eastern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, in a part of the “Sztygarka” Training Coal Mine in Dąbrowa Górnicza. Two other trails are located in Tarnowskie Góry town, in the border zone between the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and the Silesian-Kraków Monocline. These are the relics of the historical lead, zinc and silver ore mine, and the “Czarny Pstrąg” (“Black Trout”) drainage adit. The bituminous coal deposits are hosted in the Upper Carboniferous clastic formations, which fills the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The metal ores are hosted in Middle Triassic dolomites, which belong to the southern margin of the Silesian-Kraków Monocline. The geotourism attractiveness of all these historical mines was demonstrated by selected annual statistical data of tourist attendance. In general, the interest in these facilities has been growing since decades, same as the popularity of industrial heritage in the Upper Silesia. These three towns have become very widely known in Poland and in the world.

PL

W Zabrzu, Dąbrowie Górniczej i Tarnowskich Górach utworzono w sumie siedem podziemnych tras turystycznych prowadzonych wyrobiskami górniczymi zabytkowych kopalń. Cztery z nich znajdują się w Zabrzu, w centrum Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego, a jedna w Dąbrowie Górniczej, na jego wschodnim krańcu. Dwie pozostałe są natomiast zlokalizowane na pograniczu Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego i monokliny śląsko-krakowskiej, w Tarnowskich Górach. Na terenie Zabrza dwie podziemne trasy turystyczne zostały wytyczone w Sztolni „Królowa Luiza”, zespole łączącym wybrane wyrobiska dawnej Kopalni Węgla Kamiennego „Królowa Luiza” z odwadniającą ją Główną Kluczową Sztolnią Dziedziczną, a pozostałe dwie w Zabytkowej Kopalni Węgla Kamiennego „Guido”. W Dąbrowie Górniczej udostępniono do zwiedzania część wyrobisk górniczych dawnej Kopalni Ćwiczebnej „Sztygarka”, natomiast w Tarnowskich Górach podziemne trasy turystyczne wyznaczono w zabytkowej kopalni srebra i Sztolni „Czarnego Pstrąga”. Złoża węgla kamiennego występują w klastycznych osadach górnokarbońskich Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego, natomiast rud metali – w środkowotriasowych dolomitach kruszconośnych południowej części obszaru monokliny śląsko-krakowskiej. Atrakcyjność geoturystyczna poszczególnych tras podziemnych została określona na podstawie porównania wyników analiz statystycznych frekwencji turystów w poszczególnych obiektach. Generalnie obserwowany jest jej wzrost na przestrzeni lat, wraz ze zwiększającą się popularnością dziedzictwa przemysłowego na Górnym Śląsku z biegiem czasu, zarówno w Polsce, jak i na całym świecie.

17

Determination of stress state based on well logging data and laboratory easurements – a CBM well in the southeastern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland)

Kępiński Michał

Geology, Geophysics and Environment

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2020

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Vol. 46, no. 2

77--92

EN

The main objective of this study is to present calculation methods of horizontal stress profiles, taking into account the stress boundaries model, poro-elastic horizontal strain model and the effective stress ratio approach, using calibration with wellbore failure. The mechanical earth model (MEM) parameters from log measurements and well testing data were estimated for a well located in the southeastern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Log-derived horizontal stresses of the well are commonly treated as the final product of geomechanical modeling in oil and gas practices. A less popular method for estimating horizontal stresses is based on Kirsch equations juxtaposed with compressional and tensile failure observed on a micro-imager or six-arm caliper. Using this approach, horizontal stresses are determined based on the fact that when hoop stresses exceed the formation’s tensile strength, tensile fractures are created, and when those stresses exceed the compressive strength of the formation, breakouts can be identified. The advantage of this method is that it can be run without in situ stress measurements. The presented workflow is recommended every time there is an image log and dipole sonic measurement in the available dataset, both being necessary to observe the failure zones and MEM.

18

Changes in the methane emissions and hard coal output in the Brzeszcze mine (the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland)

Dreger Marcin

Geology, Geophysics and Environment

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2020

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Vol. 46, no. 2

159--174

EN

The paper presents the variability of methane emissions in mining excavations in the Brzeszcze mine (Poland) against the background of hard coal output, geological and mining factors. The geological structure of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is very diverse. The Brzeszcze coal deposit is located close to the large and permeable Jawiszowice fault which increases the methane hazard during mining activities performed close to this fault. The overall decrease in hard coal output (1988–2018) has coincided with a rapid increase in methane emissions (1997–2018). Throughout the study period, hard coal output decreased threefold from 3.9 to 1.2 million Mg annually. Coal extraction in high methane content beds (e.g. 510, 405/1, 364, 352) increases the total methane (CH4) emission into mining excavations, aggravating the methane hazard due to the high explosiveness of the gas. To protect miners, coal workings need to be continuously ventilated, taking the harmful gas out of the mine (ventilation air methane emission) or methane needs to be captured by underground methane systems (degassing). Every year, over 34 million m3 of CH4 is captured by the drainage systems and over 70 million m3 CH4 (average) is discharged through ventilation shafts into the atmosphere. The presence of the large, permeable regional dislocation, the Jawiszowice fault zone, shaped the methane concentration in the fault vicinity, when the highest methane emissions during coal mining was studied.

19

Distribution of peak ground vibration caused by mining induced seismic events in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland

Dubiński Józef, Mutke Grzegorz, Chodacki Jacek

Archives of Mining Sciences

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2020

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Vol. 65, no. 3

419--432

EN

The solutions presented permit the practical determination of the physical parameters of peak ground vibration, caused by strong mining tremors induced by mining, in the Polish part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). The parameters of peak ground horizontal velocity (PGVH) and peak ground horizontal acceleration (PGAH10) at any point of earth’s surface depend on seismic energy, epicentral distance and site effect. Distribution maps of PGVH and of PGAH10 parameters were charted for the period 2010-2019. Analysis of the results obtained indicates the occurrence of zones with increased values of these parameters. Based on the Mining Seismic Instrumental Intensity Scale (MSIIS-15), which is used to assess the degree of vibration intensity caused by seismic events induced by mining, and using the PGVH parameter, it was noted that the distribution map of this parameter includes zones where there vibration velocities of both 0.04 m/s and 0.06 m/s were exceeded. Vibrations with this level of PGVH correspond to intensities in the V and VI degree according to the MSIIS-2015 scale, which means that they can already cause slight structural damage to building objects and cause equipment to fall over. Moreover, the reason why the second parameter PGAH10 is less useful for the evaluation of the intensity of mining induced vibrations is explained. The PGAH10 vibration acceleration parameter, in turn, can be used to design construction of the objects in the seismic area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, where the highest acceleration reached a value of 2.8 m/s2 in the period from 2010 to 2019.

20

The impact of a Neogene basaltoid intrusion on the distribution of rare earth elements and yttrium in Carboniferous rocks from the Sumina area, Poland (SW part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin)

Adamczyk Zdzisław, Komorek Joanna, Nowak Jacek, Lewandowska Małgorzata

Acta Geologica Polonica

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2020

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Vol. 70, no. 1

31--49

EN

The Neogene basaltoid intrusions found in the S-7 borehole in the Sumina area (USCB) caused transformations of the adjacent Carboniferous rocks. The mineral and chemical compositions of the basaltoides are similar to those of the Lower Silesian basaltoides. The transformations that took place in the vicinity of the intrusion were manifested in the formation of natural coke, the secondary mineralization of these rocks (calcite, chlorite, zeolites and barite) and in the specific distribution of rare earths (REY). Among REY, the light elements (LREY) had the highest share, while the heavy elements (HREY) had the lowest share. Regardless of the lithological type of the analyzed rock, with increasing distance from the intrusion, the percentage of MREY and HREY elements increases at the expense of the light elements LREY. All analyzed distribution patterns of the REYs are characterized by the occurrence of anomalies, which often show a significant correlation with the distance of sampling points from the basaltoid intrusion. The specific distribution of REYs in the vicinity of the intrusion of igneous rocks is an indication of the impact of hydrothermal solutions associated with the presence of basaltoides on the rocks closest to them located at a temperature of over 200°C