KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. is beginning construction of a Medical and Altitude Training Centre for rescuers from the Mine-Smelter Rescue Unit in Sobin. The centre and workshops on safe work at height will also be used by employees of other divisions of KGHM and external companies performing such tasks on the premises of the copper company.

The investment is expected to be ready in September 2024. The expected cost of construction of the Training Centre is PLN 8 million.

“Thanks to the centre, our rescuers will have access to state-of-the-art training rooms, which will help them in their safety-related activities. We will also offer specialised medical training, also for our staff. So that we can respond quickly and effectively to potential emergencies. This will be a place to hone our skills”, said Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., during the opening of the construction.

The JRGH Training Centre will be equipped with a hall for practical exercises, lecture rooms, sanitary rooms, and storage facilities for the necessary equipment. The hall will be fitted with ladders equipped with at least two different fixed belay systems, a flat roof and a slanting roof, as well as a truss structure enabling the principles of movement to be taught with double safety lines. Platforms and walkways placed at a minimum height of 7 metres are also planned.

The construction of the centre considers training for specialised rescue services for work involving the use of mountaineering techniques, but also for thousands of KGHM employees who supervise or directly perform work at heights.

The centre will strengthen the competencies of KGHM’s staff in work at height and in confined spaces. The centre will bring together comprehensive knowledge of the company’s equipment, training, examination and specialist advisory services. In the future, the possibility of providing innovative training also for companies or organisations outside KGHM is under consideration.

Adrian Andrzejewski