Sinkhole hazard in the post-mining area of Old Copper District, Lower Silesia, Poland

Abstract

This study discusses the occurrence of sinkholes and the removal of their effects in the territory of the Old Copper District in the municipality of Lubków, Warta Bolesławiecka, located in the voivodeship of Lower Silesia. Three sinkholes appeared more than 25 years after mining activities ceased with the closure of the “Konrad” Mine of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. The sinkholes appeared in the former mining areas in the years 2017 - 2018: the first in the area of the Lubichów III shaft located in the municipality of Lubków - the downcast and transport shaft of the "Lubichów" and "Konrad" mines; the second in the area of Lubichów IVa in Lubków - the ventilation shaft of the "Lubichów" and "Konrad" mines; and the third in the area of the Lubichów IVa shaft - in the village of Lubków. The “Lubin” Mine of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. commissioned development of projects to mitigate the risk and to secure the areas and remove the dangers.

Keywords

• Sinkhole hazard
• copper ore exploitation
• Old Copper District