OREANDA-NEWS. On February 17, 2008 Krasnodonugol Mining launched an air supply well with diameter of 2,3 meter and depth of 617 meter at Molodogvardeiskaya Mine to improve airing of drifts and ensure required gas safety standard, reported the press-centre of Krasnodonugol Mining.

The launch of air supply well helped supply the ventilation network of the mine with additional 1,300 c.m. of fresh air per minute including additional airing of 28th Orlovskaya Longwall. Also, it enabled to increase permitted production level in the working face and improve safety standards of coal mining operations. Besides, the well ensured a reserve of air supply facilities and fresh air for further development of the inclined wing of coal seam K-2, for drifting and preparation of new longwalls, as well as improved efficiency of the whole ventilation system at Molodogvardeiskaya Mine.

The air hole launch is a part of a complex ventilation facilities development program at Molodogvardeiskaya Mine aimed to improve industrial safety. In particular, under the programme the Air Shaft No.4 was put in operation in July 2007 and an air supply shaft No. 5/2 is expected to be put into service in July 2008. Construction of theses air facilities amounts to UAH12 million.

“Coal production increase is impossible without required level of industrial safety in terms of geology and especially gas factor. Apart from improving ventilation, we have started a big program on degasification of Molodogvardeiskaya Mine, in particular preliminary degasification of coal seams before their mining”, said acting CEO of Krasnodonugol Aleksandr Potapenko.

Information for journalists:
Krasnodonugol is one of the biggest coal companies in Ukraine that produces and enriches coking coal of "Ж" and "К" grades. It consists of seven mines and colliery administrations, two enrichment plans, and service divisions. The company employs 20,000 people. Avdeyevka Coke and Chemical Plant owns over 99% of Krasnodonugol.

The company accounts for around 19% of the total coking coal output in Ukraine.