Premogovnik Velenje (Velenje Coal Mine)

ENSURING ENERGY SECURITY FOR DECADES TO COME

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE)

PHOTO BY KAVÄŒNIK FB

2 | EME Outlook issue 38

MINING

STANDING SIDE-BY-SIDE C WITH SLOVENIA Premogovnik Velenje (Velenje Coal Mine) continues to supply vital coal to Slovenia’s energy mix, the operation representing one of the most sophisticated in Europe, with plans afoot to ensure its long-term future Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

oal has long played a critical role in Slovenia’s energy mix.

Home to rich deposits, the country still relies on lignite to produce around 30 percent of its electricity, activities which continue to provide stable employment and form the pillar of many communities.

It is a proud industry, one which Janez Roser has identified himself with from a very young age.

“Ever since I was a child, I watched the parades of uniformed men on Miners’ Day and, given that there were no miners in my family, I watched these dignified men with even greater interest,” he recalls. “This sense of pride and belonging that they radiated made a strong impression on me.

EME Outlook issue 38 | 3

SAFER, SMARTER, MORE EFFICIENT For more than 50 years, the Becker Mining Systems Group is setting worldwide standards in technological innovation for the mining industry.

We offer solutions that maximize production, increase efficiency and improve safety while reducing the environmental footprint.

With our latest automation and energy distribution systems PROMOS 4.0 and ENDIS 4.0, we offer modular and fully integrated solutions for a faster and smarter operation. Together with our battery-powered monorail flag-ship CA-190 we provide the core of an efficient and smart logistic system.

Be ready for the challenges of the future!

PROMOS 4.0 - PF1020

ENDIS 4.0 - CS4008H

Becker Mining Europe GmbH Walter-Becker-StraĂ&#x;e 1, 66299 Friedrichsthal | Germany info@becker-mining.com | www.becker-mining.com Tel +49 6897 857 - 0 | Fax +49 6897 857 - 188 Becker Mining is a trademark of Becker Mining Systems AG. Š 2020 Becker Mining Systems AG or one of its affiliates.

CA-190 - Battery monorail

LGA 190 - Battery locomotive

Becker-Warkop Sp. z o.o. ul. Przemysłowa 11, 44-266 Świerklany | Poland becker@becker-mining.com.pl | www.becker-mining.com.pl Tel +48 32 432 99 38 | Fax + 48 32 432 99 01

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) “After graduating from high school, I enrolled in the study of geotechnology and mining engineering, as I was attracted to the engineering challenges of building underground facilities. After completing my doctoral studies, I was offered the opportunity to work in the Premogovnik Velenje Group in the mine surveying and geodesy programme.

“Looking back, I am grateful to have taken the opportunity to work in the coal mining industry, as our work is full of challenges – it is demanding, but we still have a spirit of camaraderie, mutual help and pride, which are certainly feelings that enrich and fulfil every individual.”

Today, Roser serves as Premogovnik Velenje’s General Manager. The company operates at the Velenje Coal Mine in the Šaleška dolina valley, a basin in northern Slovenia nestled in the north-eastern pre-alpine foothills.

The mine feeds the Šoštanj Thermal

Power Plant with just over three million tonnes of coal a year, which in turn produces almost a third of the electricity consumed domestically.

Indeed, it represents a key chunk of what is a healthy and flexible Slovenian energy mix, with nuclear power also accounting for around 30 percent power generation and renewables another 30 percent (hydro being the dominant player here).

However, despite the balance of generation sources, the country was a net importer of electricity in 2019.

Coal production is also in decline, as a result of the closure at Rudnik Trbovlje-Hrastnik in 2013 and lower production at Velenje, which today is the only operation extracting from a Slovenian lignite deposit.

But the site remains a national and regional flagship – an ultramodernised mine which carries a formidable legacy behind it.

“Velenje Coal Mine is one of the

“LOOKING BACK, I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK IN THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY, AS OUR WORK IS FULL OF CHALLENGES...”

– JANEZ ROSER

6 | EME Outlook issue 38

largest and most modern deep coal mining sites in Europe,” Roser says proudly. “It operates on the largest Slovenian coal deposit and on one of the thickest known coal layers in the world.

“In 145 years of operation of the coal mine, nearly 220 million tonnes of lignite have been extracted from the lignite seam of thickness up to 165 metres, and there are still more than 100 million tonnes of coal reserves here.

“A clean and healthy environment represents important values for the company. Therefore, responsible and controlled environment management has been included in our strategy. In accordance with the legislation requirements, Velenje Coal Mine performs monitoring of impacts of mining works on the environment (ground, air, water and noise), and constantly strives to reduce them.”

Becker Mining Systems Group Becker Mining Systems AG with its subsidiaries (Becker Group) is a high-tech supplier in the fields of energy distribution technology, automation technology, communication technology and transportation technology.

We set international standards with our concepts for the operation of mines, which are geared towards safety and sustainability. We develop systems for the energy-efficient operation of mine infrastructures as well as logistics systems for the safety of the people and production streams, including the associated communication systems and the higher-level control and visualization software.

In the field of transport technology, we develop battery drives for rail & trackless vehicles, and conductor rail drives, both of which are particularly suitable for underground CO2-neutral applications.

All our systems meet the highest safety standards and serve to increase production.

Becker Mining Europe Becker Mining Europe, based in Germany, is developing innovative solutions for the mining industry in the areas of energy distribution, automation and communication for more than 50 years.

Our decades of experience flow into our 2020 product lines PROMOS 4.0 and ENDIS 4.0: We are breaking new ground in automation and power distribution solutions and support the mines enjoying the benefits of an ever-increasing amount of available data.

Being integrated in our software solutions MineView® and smartflow® such real-time-information enable our customers to achieve an optimized operations management.

And thanks to the modular and flexible design of our products, existing systems can be supplemented as well as expanded to meet future needs.

Becker-Warkop As a part of the Becker Mining Systems Group Becker-Warkop, located in Poland, is specialized in mining transport systems since 1991 and a worldwide leading supplier of mining equipment. Our diesel suspended monorail sets standards and still is highly demanded in both underground and surface mining operations in order to transport personnel or heavy equipment.

Due to the flexibility of the design, each of our products can be adapted to customer requirements, making it suitable even for other industries like tunnelling.

With the implementation of our new batterypowered transport systems we combine features such as efficiency, safety, simplicity of use and sustainability.

The flagship product of Becker-Warkop is the battery-powered CA-190 monorail using the latest technology with its upgraded LiFePO4 battery.

Over 30 locomotives of this type operate in various configurations in different mines: starting with standard-of-the-shelf setups – built with cabs for the transport of material, equipment and crew – to autonomous locomotives that can be remotely controlled.

Our battery technology is also used in floor-mounted locomotives. Such applications are currently implemented at Premogovnik Velenje coal mine located in Slovenia.

In more than 110 years of company history, with our products we have shaped the Mining Industry with Quality and Reliability worldwide.

With these values and our experience, we will continue to be a reputable supplier to underground mines around the world – today and in the future.

With our water hydraulic competence, we design individually tailored pump stations for underground mines. Whether high pressure pump station or water spray pump station, with or without water treatment, we manufacture certified pump systems with all the necessary approvals for underground mines all over the world. Hauhinco stands for high quality plunger pumps and systems producer that guarantee the necessary safety and reliability at the longwall.

With a big partner network all over the world Hauhico can give the customer the biggest benefit around water hydraulics applications.

We are proud to be a part of your success.

Engineering firm, producer and supplier of leading technology for economical use in mining and tunneling

hauhinco.de

Korfmann Maschinenfabrik was established in 1880 in Witten – the birthplace of Ruhr mining. Besides ventilation, the company was initially also involved in dismantling, loading and salvage. In 2001, the company began operating under the name Korfmann Lufttechnik GmbH and has since specialised in the design, construction, manufacture and installation of fans and ventilation systems for use above and below ground.

Korfmann Lufttechnik GmbH develops individual, special ventilation systems, for mining, wind tunnels or numerous tunnelling machines. The company also offers outstanding solutions for the increasingly important topics of energy and sound insulation, which are available on request.

The company’s many years of experience and high level of expertise are sought after and put to the test in a wide variety of applications: Whether mechanical jacking in tunnelling, drilling and blasting in mining or renovating tunnelling systems by means of push ventilation – the services and solutions from Korfmann Lufttechnik GmbH offer a breeze of fresh air and guarantee that the project goes off without a hitch.

korfmann.com

“we give impulses” For more than 23 years Premogovnik Velenje d.o.o. and Tiefenbach Controls Systems GmbH with its mother company Knapheide GmbH Hydraulik Systeme form a strong bond with the common goal of making coal production as safe, cost effective and efficient as possible. Tiefenbach Control Systems and Knapheide provides electric and hydraulic control units, auxiliary valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings to Premogovnik Velenje to upgrade existing longwalls and to improve them. With its equipment Tiefenbach Control Systems and Knapheide contribute one of the key factors to adapt to the continuously rising requirements of modern coal mining.

Premogovnik Velenjes goals of rationalizing coal production, developing clean technologies of coal consumption, optimisation and automation, ecology of work and occupational health and safety are part of our selfconception. This makes Premogovnik Velenje, Tiefenbach Control Systems and Knapheide not only economic partners but also partners of a joint vision of the future of coal mining. Together with the clear understanding of our responsibility to the environment all three companies are working together to ensure a lignite production with the least effect on ecology proving coal mining as a future-proof technology. As our company motto “we give impulses” indicates, a constant foresight into the future is always our goal.

Experience has no substitute • Eickhoff since 1864 Higher productivity with Eickhoff machines - Whether at one of the world‘s most productive mines on the southern hemisphere, whether in the cold winters in the Russian region of Workuta or whether with the worldwide biggest shearer loader in Inner Mongolia – Eickhoff mining machines are at the forefront. Eickhoff shearer loaders and continuous miners steadily set new standards as regards to quality and innovation.

Taking a look to a long partnership, Premogovnik Velenje with a fleet of 4 Eickhoff SL 300 stands for high technical and quality standards in operation. The Eickhoff SL 300 was first introduced back in 1995 as the shearer loader for low to mid seam applications. At that time the machine was originally equipped with two 220 kW cutter motors and two 35 kW DC haulage motors. Nowadays the Eickhoff SL 300 is equipped with two 480 kW cutter and two 90 kW AC haulage motors

eickhoff-bochum.de

due to Eickhoff´s consequent product development. Even though the cutter and haulage motor power has meanwhile been more than doubled, the original basic machine concept remained unchanged.

This is due to latest technology of manufacturing for Eickhoff gears and the availability of smaller electrical components specially designed and ruggedized for mining applications. The Eickhoff SL 300 has achieved production outputs of 600,000 t/month in high demand operations in the USA and Australia.

We are thankful to have Premogovnik Velenje as our strategic partner for technical improvements of our machines. Our trustful long lasting relationship initiated a variety of leading evolutions in underground coal mining. We are looking forward to continue this win-win partnership with Premogovnik Velenje.

“OUR SOLUTIONS, YOUR SUCCESS” • since 1976 •

siming.eu

thiele.de

THIELE is an innovative manufacturer with a long tradition in the production of round steel chains and forged parts for the Conveying and Lifting technology sectors.

Our products are used to mine hard coal, to lift, move and secure loads and to convey bulk materials.

tibacon.com

We guarantee you the best quality, easy handling and excellent service - Made in Germany. Our highly qualified engineers develop solutions that are indispensable in today’s conveying and lifting technology sector.

The THIELE tradition of providing top quality dates back 85 years. All of our production is conducted internally and subjected to very stringent quality controls, enabling us to ensure that our products meet the highest demands.

From our headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, we supply high quality products to our customers throughout the world. Our global network enables us to provide top quality, exclusive service to customers in a total of 72 countries. Around the world, our customers rely on us and our products.

Each of our employees is dedicated to continuing this tradition – this is our pledge to you.

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) Beyond producing coal, major activities at Velenje Coal Mine include the mechanical and electrical design of underground facilities and opencast mining, designing of all types of underground facilities, drilling, geomechanical research, mine surveying, hydrogeological and technological services, and education services – a truly multifaceted operation.

And this is critical when looking through a long-term lens.

Although the deposit’s reserves are sufficient for another three decades of mining at the current output, the energy industry is shifting towards carbon neutrality, a reality which Roser and Premogovnik Velenje are already planning for.

“Due to shifts in the energy industry and the envisaged changes in the operation of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, mining sites will in the most part close before lignite reserves are exploited,” Roser says.

PHOTO BY KAVČNIK FB

10 | EME Outlook issue 38

MINING AT VELENJE A BRIEF HISTORY The deposit in the region was first discovered as surface outcrops in the very eastern part of the seam. After local residents started to use the coal as a heating source, the first explorations took place in in the 19th century, with the first drilling activity taking place in 1875.

In 1887, the first mine at Velenje opened for business, and by 1927 the first lignite-powered plant was built near the site. In the years following the Second World War, production peaked in order to fulfil huge demand for electricity.

Such demand kept growing until the middle of the 1990s, at which point the Velenje Coal Mine was producing up to three quarters of Slovenia’s coal. In the mid-80s, production levels were as high as five million tonnes a year, but despite the modernised methods being used, output was barely keeping up with demand.

The post-war period also brought substantial coal-related investments into the Šaleška dolina valley – the town, infrastructure, schools, culture and sports are all areas that Premogovnik Velenje continues to invest in to this day.

T

he company SIMING d.o.o. was founded in 1980s as a family owned private company with its headquarters in Slovenia since 1993.

The company’s main activities are distribution, representation and service of mining, tunnelling and low construction civil engineering equipment.40 years ago with the adoption of representation of ThyssenKrupp Bauservice, the company started the equipment rental business and entered the domain of special low construction civil engineering.

Today the company Siming d.o.o. is one of the leading companies in the mining industry segment on the market of former Yugoslavia with tendency of steady growth. At the moment our company has an available warehouse as well as business facilities in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Serbia.

A good reputation and market success of the company SIMING in the area of former Yugoslavia has led to a program of representations, which belongs to the world’s elite suppliers of mining equipment for underground exploitation as well as equipment for special low construction.

As our long-term business partner, we must highlight Premogovnik Velenje mine. From the very beginnings of company SIMING, we are working closely with Premogovnik Velenje, supporting them in their vision, development and growth. In this long-term partnership we have managed to support Premogovnik Velenje with knowledge and experience of our principals, starting with company DBT which developed shield support allowing exploitation of 5-17 m of coal seam from the roof. This is so called “Velenje mining Method” and it is unique in the world. Back in the time DBT was one of the most famous world longwall shield support producers. Today after almost 40 years of cooperation Premogovnik Velenje is one of the most equipped & advanced underground mines in the world, and together with our principals like Eickhoff, Tiefenbach&Knapheide, Thiele, Hauhinco, Korfmann we are proud to be part of their success and vision.

Obrežje 7D

| 8261 Slovenia |

Prerequisites for our further success continue to be our friendly and correct relationship with our buyers, mutual trust and business conduct quality enjoyed by our foreign partners, fast delivery times, highest product quality, warranties as well as services through our partners or directly by us. With our almost 40year tradition and experiences on the market we wish to offer complete “turnkey” systems, where the customer is allowed to choose the best from the best manufacturers to ultimately receive everything from one hand in one package. We and all our principals, we always aspire to quality, innovation, develop and progress. That is why we can say we are a reliable partner to support you on your way to success.

info@siming.eu

|

www.siming.eu

You connect us all Mining is at the heart of global supply chains providing the raw materials required for nearly every industry and consumer product. It’s your hard work that makes it possible for the world to work from home, learn online and keep up with friends and family.

Thank you.

Komatsu Mining Corp.

Bromyard Road Worcester WR2 5EG Phone:+44 370 252 1000 Visit us at: https://mining.Komatsu

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE)

PHOTO BY ALEKSANDER KAVČNIK

PHOTO BY ALEKSANDER KAVČNIK

“A gradual closure of the mine and the abandonment of fossil fuels at Šoštanj power plant in the future will have a significant role in the country’s energy transition, as both companies represent an important energy pillar of Slovenia.”

There is also the Šalek valley community to consider. “The most important long-term challenge facing us is how to create attractive and well-paid jobs for the next generation,” Roser continues.

“There is an opportunity to improve the environment and health in the region, to invest into infrastructure and create more attractive local living 14 | EME Outlook issue 38

conditions for the local inhabitants.

Infrastructure that will stay after mining can be prepared in advance and take on new opportunities, serving other industries, education and tourism.

“There will be opportunities for new jobs in renewables which includes the production and installation of photovoltaic, biomass, related wood industries and more.

“From our perspective, we need to consider strengths in coal mining which can be utilised in civil construction, machinery and electrical activities, as well as new industries in accordance with smart specialisation

strategies and industry 4.0.”

THE VELENJE WAY But there is plenty of life still left in Velenje Coal Mine.

Indeed, Roser calls for a balanced approach between the objectives of the European Union and Slovenia’s national policy for a competitive, affordable and secure energy mix. Coal is still abundant in supply and relatively cheap, a factor which cannot be ignored when balancing environmental and economic priorities.

And Premogovnik Velenje continues to produce coal in a way that is reliable, safe and efficient.

A longstanding foundation builds longwall success The globalcoal coal mining industry continues The global mining industry continues to to play vitalrole role ensuring the world’s growing play aavital in in ensuring thatthat the world’s growing population hasadequate adequate access to electricity and the population has access to electricity and the steel neededtoto support rapid rise in infrastructure steel needed support thethe rapid rise in infrastructure development. meet demands, longwall mining development. ToTo meet demands, longwall mining operations continue increase production operations continue to to increase production whilewhile maintaining sustainable operations doincrease not increase maintaining sustainable operations that that do not the safety safetyrisks risks mine personnel. to to mine personnel.

One suchoperation operation in Slovenia important One such in Slovenia andand important for thefor the life ofthe theŠaleška Šaleška Valley the wider region is life of Valley andand the wider region is Premogovnik Velenje (PV) Velenje With more Premogovnik Velenje (PV) Velenje CoalCoal Mine.Mine.

With more than 145years years lignite mining, is continuously than 145 in in lignite mining, PV isPV continuously seeking waysofof optimizing its operations to increase seeking ways optimising its operations to increase production meet demand without increasing production totomeet demand without increasing safetysafety risks personnel. partnership with PV began risks totoitsitspersonnel.

OurOur partnership with PV began back inthe the1960s 1960s when a Joy loader first supplied back in when a Joy loader was was first supplied to the theVelenje VelenjeCoal Coal Mine the unmechanized Mine andand usedused in theinunmechanised process coal production. process ofofcoal production.

As technologies technologiesprogressed, progressed, mechanized mining andand mechanised mining was was introduced the 1970s, Velenje selected introduced ininthe 1970s, Velenje CoalCoal MineMine selected our our longwall roofsupports supports to handle unique geological longwall roof to handle theirtheir unique geological conditions.

Throughout 1990s, the Velenje Coal Mine conditions. Throughout thethe 1990s, the Velenje Coal Mine continued introduce modern longwall equipment, continued totointroduce modern longwall equipment, including heavy-duty Armored Conveyor including heavy-duty JoyJoy Armored FaceFace Conveyor (AFC) (AFC) systems, well a high-performance Joyshearer, 4LS5 shearer, systems, asas well as aashigh-performance Joy 4LS5 which wenton ontoto achieve mine production records. which went achieve mine production records.

Over theyears, years, we’ve worked in a collaborative manner Over the we’ve worked in a collaborative manner with PVtotounderstand understand conditions in which with PV thethe conditions in which their their equipment operates and design features employed equipment operates and thethe design features employed so we wecan canhelp help them achieve optimum performance. them achieve optimum performance.

Adopting thisphilosophy philosophy creates a platform Adopting this creates a platform to to solve problems, allowing design to meet the mining solve problems, allowing design to meet the mining operation’s expectations. operation’s expectations.

includingcradle-mounted cradle-mounted frames andpans line with pans with including frames and line integralcradles cradles mining methods needed to integral to to suitsuit thethe mining methods needed to achievehigher higher levels of production, lowering achieve levels of production, whilewhile lowering maintenancecosts. costs. maintenance Eachofofthe themajor major longwall markets has itsunique own unique Each longwall markets has its own requirements and challenges.

Across the world, requirements and challenges.

Across the world, collaborativeefforts efforts described collaborative likelike thethe oneone described aboveabove are are crucialtotothe the development of effective and efficient crucial development of effective and efficient longwallsystems. systems.

In Australia, partnerships longwall In Australia, thesethese partnerships haveseen seenthe the introduction of the Joy OptiDrive have introduction of the first first Joy OptiDrive variablespeed speed drive system, helping the mine variable drive system, helping the mine break break productionrecords records while increasing our understanding production while increasing our understanding ofthe thepotential potential automated longwall operations. of of of automated longwall operations.

Collaborationwith with partners in United the United Collaboration partners in the StatesStates hashelped helpedmines mines realize exceptional reliability has realise exceptional reliability and and productivityofoftheir their longwalls. productivity longwalls.

Thebenefits benefitsofof a close partnership between The a close partnership between a minea mine andtheir theiroriginal original equipment manufacturers and equipment manufacturers (OEMs)(OEMs) areproven, proven,and and have demonstrated are have demonstrated how how OEMsOEMs can can helpsupport supportmining mining companies in achieving help companies in achieving world-worldclasslevels levelsofof production productivity in their class production andand productivity in their undergroundmines mines without increasing the safety underground without increasing the safety risks risks to mine minepersonnel. personnel. partnership enabled us to At At PV,PV, thisthis partnership enabled us workwith withPVPVtoto develop a bespoke mining method to work develop a bespoke mining method to meettheir theircomplex complex conditions. is a relationship meet conditions.

It is aItrelationship that that hasprovided providedreliable reliable equipment that supports has JoyJoy AFCAFC equipment that supports bothPV PVand andtheir their end users, ultimately supplies both end users, and and ultimately supplies the the powerstations stations that keep Slovenia’s power that keep Slovenia’s lightslights on. on.

This closepartnership partnership with PV led hastoled This close with PV has theto the development customized features foroperation, PV’s operation, development ofofcustomised features for PV’s

Worcester, UK | T +44 370 252 1000 | W https://mining.Komatsu

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE)

PHOTO BY ALEKSANDER KAVČNIK

Its self-developed process, known as the Velenje Mining Method, was first introduced in 1947 and has stood the test of time thanks to continued enhancements and innovations through the ensuing years.

Patent-protected, it is described as a “method of winning coal, particularly from thick coal-seams”, with Roser explaining how it has evolved specifically over the past decade.

“The procedure of controlled winning of roof coal by ‘pouring’ over roof supports into the Longwall Chain Conveyor provides very high production capacity with an extremely high level of safety and economic return,” he says. “Current mining results are comparable with the top results in Europe.”

Innovation is also being adopted in numerous other ways. On the business side, the company carries out a total 16 | EME Outlook issue 38

renovation of internal processes thanks to the deployment of an SAP business information system, while it also upgraded the computer infrastructure of its data centre.

In the mine itself, a sophisticated communications network is underpinned by extensive fibre optic and wireless systems – a setup which enables reliable operation of information systems and comprehensive control of safety and technology parameters, making it a reference point among underground coal mines in Europe.

Roser goes on to introduce the company’s Safety and Technological Information System, better known as VTIS. “The backbone of this system is formed by an optical ring in the mine with communication nodes, and is

VELENJE MINING METHOD “THE PROCEDURE OF CONTROLLED WINNING OF ROOF COAL BY ‘POURING’ OVER ROOF SUPPORTS INTO THE LONGWALL CHAIN CONVEYOR PROVIDES VERY HIGH PRODUCTION CAPACITY...”

30 Years of Partnership and Cooperation

Steel Mine Supports Mining Chains and Accessories Bolts and Nuts Yoke Joints, Bolted Joints Bending Machines

Ekon spol. s r.o. Bezova, 1658/1, 147 14 Prague 4, Czech Republic.

T: 00420 44462218 E: ekon@cdipraha.cz www.ekonsro.cz

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) extended at worksites by wireless networks,” he explains. “Various sensors, smart devices and equipment are connected to it. This is the basis of the communication infrastructure for the many systems in the mine.”

These can be divided into surface and mine-based programmes.

In the mine, VTIS enables the functioning of numerous systems, including: SCADA systems to control safety and technological parameters; VOIP telephony; automation and remote control of equipment such as coal conveyers, crushers and ventilation stations; real-time tracking of assets via RFID; seismographs for detecting movements in the mine;

and other computer equipment for reporting work.

On the surface, data obtained data from VTIS are stored and processed in various systems, such as: the coal mine control centre; Thingsboard IoT platform for analysis work; dispatch centre for mine transport; and IBM’s Maximo Enterprise Asset Management Software for predictive maintenance of machinery and equipment.

These systems are in turn supplemented by numerous other programmes, among them a web port and app which simplifies communications between employees and company management.

Q: WHAT DOES YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK LOOK LIKE, AND HOW ARE THESE RELATIONS MANAGED? JANEZ ROSER: “The coal industry, from extraction to power generation, represents a completely secure value-added industrial supply chain, creating economic wealth and prosperity in the wider region.

There are also a great many indirect jobs supported by coal mining and thermal power plant electricity production.

“In terms of our supply chain, the majority of maintenance services of mining equipment and similar are carried out by affiliated companies which are in 100 percent ownership of Premogovnik Velenje, such as the supply of wood for the mine, which represents one of the strategic supply categories.

“Today, to a certain extent, our engineers, together with our subsidiaries, design and manufacture individual parts and larger segments of more complex mining equipment. In the field of mining equipment, we have noticed in recent years a reduction in the number of producers in Europe.

We have to consider that mining equipment is very specialised, as it must stand up to the safety standards and regulations.

“Around 80 percent of our suppliers are from Slovenia, with the rest coming from abroad. Foreign suppliers are those that manufacture heavy mining equipment and machinery, supporting elements for roadways in coal mines.

There are no such companies in Slovenia. The importance of relations with suppliers is case specific and sometimes subject to business secrecy.

It is worth mentioning that our subsidiary companies will have a big role during the future transition process, due to looking for new opportunities, challenges and new markets.”

18 | EME Outlook issue 38

TEVEL The TEVEL Group was founded 30 years ago. Its experience dates back to the 1960s, when the need for electronic devices in mining began to grow.

Currently, 40 of TEVEL’s employees work alongside over 100 external associates at universities and institutes, developing and streamlining the most demanding mining processes.

We are also involved in various R&D projects focussing on gas detection as an external development partner.

Here, our collaboration with PV, our most important partner in this field, brings synergies – an entrepreneurial mindset in process development and the constant search for improvements serve as a starting point of each product development.

The development and implementation of the CIS (Central Information System) was such a project: it originated from an idea that led to the development of a state-of-the-art coal mine monitoring system, with open possibilities for adding additional modules.

Our motto is ‘Our Quality – Your Safety’, which reflects our mission to provide quality products and solutions that enable safe workplaces for miners in countries including Turkey, Kazakhstan, Russia and former Yugoslavia.

Our references and reputation led us to cooperate with reputable German and Russian partners, ensuring the company’s further development and growth.

All this requires constant investment in resources in the fields of production and quality control. Supported by robotics and controlled processes, we are moving towards Industry 4.0.

To learn more, visit www.tevel.si

www.tevel.si

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) And it doesn’t stop here, for Roser plans to go even further down the digital path, moving the organisation to paperless operations and bolstering cybersecurity defences, among other priorities for the coming years.

A CARING COMMUNITY It is a physical, biological threat which has caused most concern in 2020, however.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has swept its way across Europe after emerging out of China towards the end of 2019. As well as causing very serious health issues and taking many lives, the virus has also created enormous socioeconomic disruption, with almost all industries disrupted.

In Slovenia, Premogovnik Velenje could not afford to close its operations and cease supply of coal to Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant. Any closure would have immediately cut off 30 percent of electricity capacity and

forced the country to plug the gap with costlier imports.

For Roser and the company, employee welfare was and continues to be top of the agenda.

“We organised our work to ensure the smooth implementation of activities, while taking into account all the recommendations of the National Institute for Public Health (NIJZ) and other measures to ensure we contributed to reducing the spread of the virus,” the General Manager explains.

“The safety of employees in the companies of the Premogovnik Velenje Group has always been our number one priority, and this is also the case in emergency situations.

“We are very pleased that we managed to survive the first wave of the epidemic without infection among employees, and for the second wave we are working on various measures on a daily basis to curb the spread of the disease in the companies of the Group.”

Industrija promet d.o.o.

Industrija promet d.o.o. is a family owned private company. The company’s main activities are in distribution and representation.

Ever since 1980, Industrija promet d.o.o. has been an exclusive distributor and representative for SMT Scharf GmbH for Slovenia.

For 40 years, the company has been working alongside its longstanding partner Premogovnik Velenje in order to find the best solutions for transport and logistics.

A good reputation and market success, has led the company Industrija promet d.o.o. to other representations of companies in the mining industry and low construction.

www.industrija-promet.hr

Salus The machine-building company Salus was founded in 1991 and is located in Ravne (Slovenia), where the steel industry has 400 years of tradition.

Our business connections with many experts and companies allow us a high degree of flexibility and capability.

We are involved in the design, development and manufacture of mechanical equipment (turnkey projects), especially for induction hardening and cryogenic technology and for mining equipment.

For the coal mine Velenje we have produced many customised gearboxes, winches, mixers, agitators, banding machines, equipment for safe work in mines etc.

PHOTO BY MIRAN BEŠKOVNIK

20 | EME Outlook issue 38

www.salusdoo.si

SCHARMAN

MINING

Monorails with dieselpowered locomotives are particularly designed for the transport of men and material in branched rail networks with varying gradients. By means of the diesel-powered monorail locomotive even difficult transport problems can be solved)

FEATURES & ADVANTAGES - Self propelled system - Capsulated cooling circuit for exhaust gas cooling - Gradeability up to 25 degrees with friction wheels - Min. at least 12 hours no-break operation by the use of largely dimensioned diesel tank - Safety and simple control system - Safety standard diesel engine suitable for connection to standard lifting devices - Modular assembly

DZK 1800

A Zelinska 5, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia info@industrija-pomet.hr | www.industrija-promet.hr

Got a problem?

You’ve already found the solution!

Custom mechanical engineering

Turnkey solutions for the mining and steel industry SALUS is a machine-building company. We design and produce only on order and we are always striving for more flexible, more advanced, different solutions.

CUSTOMIZED IDUCTION HARDENING MACHINES for large rolls, roll necks, raceways…

CRYOGENIC TREATMENT FREEZERS MINING EQUIPMENT: WINCHES GEAR BOXES BENDING AND STRAIGHTENING MACHINES FOR ARCHES MIXERS FOR PLASTER AGITATORS PARTS AND COMPONENTS

www.salusdoo.si | anja.rek@salusdoo.si

EME Outlook issue 38 | 21

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE)

MDR MDR has wide expertise in development and production of industrial metal detectors and magnetic separators for different industries in more than 35 countries around the world.

Metal detectors and magnetic separators in heavy industry are used to protect crushers, belts, and other downstream equipment from tramp metal contamination (roof bolts, digger teeth, wear plates, manganese steel, …).

With our custom-made equipment we offer technological solutions to protect the equipment in downstream production process.

T: 00386 70 412 061 E: office@mdr.si www.mdr.si

PHOTO BY MIRAN BEŠKOVNIK

During the first wave, the company adopted an array of measures. These included installation of disinfectants across all sites, procurement of surgical masks, adoption of a new hoist machine usage regime, and use of thermal cameras and thermometers to check employee temperatures.

Premogovnik Velenje also limited entries to the mine, cancelled all business trips and non-essential meetings inside and outside of the firm, suspended group transport schemes and moved to home working where possible. Finally, Roser and his leadership team prepared detailed plans for three potential scenarios – continuation of work as it is currently, a reduction in work and people on site, and a total shutdown of operations.

No stone has been left unturned, and Roser is determined to continue paying this much attention to detail moving forwards.

“Despite the easing of measures at the national level in the summer 22 | EME Outlook issue 38

months, the company followed the NIJZ recommendations without interruption, and kept other necessary preventive measures to control the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible,” he adds.

“Given the deteriorating epidemiological picture in Slovenia and the increase in the number of infected people, the consistent observance of preventive measures has proved to be the right decision and we will continue to follow this in the future.”

This care and consideration for the health and wellbeing of its people also translates into Premogovnik Velenje’s relationship with the wider community.

In particular, the company engages in activities in the realms of sport, culture, social affairs and education, and Roser is all too aware of how important it is for the firm’s legacy to stretch beyond simply providing economic stimulus and employment

to the local area.

“Much importance is laid on the quality of life and work of our employees, cooperation with the local community and care for the broader environment,” he says.

“The significance of the Velenje Coal Mine cannot solely be measured by satisfying the society’s basic need for coal – it should also be measured by direct impacts of the coal mining industry on the environment and by its attitude towards the environment.

“The company is aware that its activity greatly affects the local environment, and that they have taken a lot from the valley. But it has also given a lot.”

Areas which have been excavated are promptly rehabilitated. For example, in the eastern part of the exploration zone, a tourist recreation centre and stadium have been built alongside the construction of hiking, running and cycling routes and installation of 100 benches.

MINING

MDR has wide expertise in development and production of industrial metal detectors and magnetic separators for different industries in more than 35 countries around the world.

With our custom-made equipment we offer technological solutions in order to protect the equipment in production process.

For heavy industry we manufacture: Industrial Metal detectors: • Standard industrial metal detectors for heavy working conditions • special industrial metal detectors that detect metals inside of different types of ore • industrial metal detector that can be installed on the excavator Magnetic separators: • • • • •

Permanent magnetic separators Electromagnetic separators Electromagnetic separators with permanent plate Industrial magnetic drums Industrial magnetic and electromagnetic pulleys

All the equipment can also be manufactured in Ex protection.

T: 00386 70 412 061 E: office@mdr.si www.mdr.si

We have been developing, manufacturing and servicing all types of hydraulic cylinders for over 30 years.

We are most proud of our rich experience and special knowledge in the field of mining, where our hydraulic cylinders must reliably operate in the most demanding conditions.

www.kovinarstvo-rozic.si

Your regional partner for Your regional partner for complete PPE solutions. complete PPE solutions.

TRY US, WE CAN BECOME YOUR RELIABLE PARTNER

zavas.com

Kovinarstvo Rožič d.o.o.

Cesta na Lavo 11B, SI-3310 Žalec T: +386 3 710 31 31 | M: +386 41 442 014 | E: info@kovinarstvo-rozic.si

EME Outlook issue 38 | 23

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) These are used by inhabitants of the area and visitors, with Roser also pointing to the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia which was opened in 1999 in the abandoned pits of the Škale mine, presenting the coal mining tradition of the Šaleška dolina valley in its authentic environment.

“It is comprised of original rooms on the surface, such as dressing rooms, a bathroom, the calling room and sections of the underground part of the mine,” the General Manager describes.

“The museum guide, the multi-vision presentation and scenes with lifesize puppets of coalminers will give you an insight of the work in a coal mine both in the past and present day. The museum houses various exhibitions, theatre plays and birthday parties

PHOTO BY MIRAN BEŠKOVNIK

as well as children’s Bergmandelc workshops for the youngest visitors.

“With its contribution to the development of the Šaleška valley, the Velenje Coal Mine has proven that it has been and will continue to be a key driver of development in the area.”

A FUTURE BEYOND COAL Looking ahead, such development will inevitably involve a diversification away from coal over the next couple of decades.

This is not an unfamiliar exercise, as the company and its subsidiaries have developed numerous other activities through its 145-year history.

Today, it employs people across an array of professions with transferable skills that can be applied to non-coal endeavours, and plans are already

being developed for more marketoriented programmes that will reduce dependence on coal mining.

“Within the Velenje Coal Mine, we are well aware of the necessity of transitioning into a carbon-free society, which is why we have joined the inter-ministerial working group set up by the Ministry of Infrastructure,” Roser adds.

“The Group prepared restructuring measures for coal mining regions, and will coordinate activities linked to the preparation of legal bases for the adoption of a regional strategy for the restructuring of such regions, and the adoption of a national strategy for the phase-out of coal, in line with the principles of a fair transition.

“The Velenje Coal Mine wishes to actively cooperate in further

MINING

PHOTOS BY MIRAN BEŠKOVNIK

development of the Šaleška dolina valley and the entire of Slovenia.

Energy generation is an important issue, and Slovenia needs different energy resources such as hydro, thermal and nuclear to ensure its prosperity in the future.”

But the near term very much involves coal, and Roser is determined to keep enhancing the way Premogovnik Velenje goes about its staple business.

Stabilisation and optimisation of operations form the crux of the General Manager’s immediate plans, the ultimate goal being to facilitate more profitable activities that in turn will enable investment into the longterm plans already described.

Central to this is continuing investment in people.

“At Premogovnik Velenje, the employment and retirement of employees is carried out in accordance with the realisation of business plans,” Roser explains, bringing the conversation to a conclusion. “We pay special attention to the appropriate transfer of knowledge between employees and the mentoring process, as we are aware of the importance of maintaining key jobs and key skills.

“Due to the specifics of our work and the consequent rapid retirement of employees in underground mining jobs (our employees retire on average at the age of 53), the retirement of these employees are appropriately replaced and we follow a system of successions that enables quality career development of individuals.

We are therefore optimistic about the

future, as we believe that the quality of our staff is our key advantage for tomorrow.

“At Velenje Coal Mine, we still strive to preserve traditional values such as comradeship, solidarity, affiliation, which are unfortunately disappearing in the modern society, but are of extreme significance in the coal production process.”

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) Tel: +386 (0) 3 899 61 00 info@rlv.si www.rlv.si

EME Outlook issue 38 | 25

PREMOGOVNIK VELENJE (VELENJE COAL MINE) Premogovnik Velenje d.o.o., Partizanska cesta 78, 3320 Velenje, Slovenia Tel: +386 (0) 3 899 61 00 info@rlv.si www.rlv.si PRODUCED BY EME OUTLOOK MAGAZINE