The mine, one of the most productive mines in Poland, started longwall operations on face No. 10-1 in July 2002. In August the mine produced output of 367,219 million tones, believed to be the new monthly longwall production record in Europe.
The mine is equipped with a JOY 4LS5 shearer that is fully customized, operating at 3300 volts with a 1 metre web. The shearer was purchased second hand and refurbished and assembled at the Joy Mszyny Górnicze (JMG) facility in Mikolow, Joy’s operation in Poland.
Other longwall equipment contributing to Bogdanka's record includes an 890 mm wide JOY AFC that has a twin inboard 42 mm flat link chain pan and riding facility. The JOY Beam Stage Loader (BSL) system, also designed by the Joy U.K. operation and manufactured at JMG, includes a fully Automatic Chain Tensioning System (ACTS). The AFC operates with 3x 500 kW transmissions and a 3300 volt power supply. Joy claims this to be the first time this level of innovative technology has been used in Poland.
“It is worth noting that Polish coal mines usually face various geological features that make mining conditions very difficult,” Joy said in a statement.
“Face No. 10-1 of Bogdanka Mine is a typical example. The face is approximately 1000 metres deep and 7 kilometres from the shaft with very high ambient temperatures. Equipped with Joy products, Bogdanka is now capable of retaining its status as one of the most profitable mines in Poland, and by doing so, has set a new standard for the European coal mining industry.”
