KGHM is in mourning following a tragic accident at its Huta Miedzi Głogów copper smelter that claimed the lives of three workers and injured two others. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon during maintenance work in the smelter’s converter section.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the mining and smelting community in the Lower Silesia region. Emergency services responded immediately, but despite their efforts, three employees could not be revived. Two injured colleagues were transported to a hospital in Głogów, where one remains in serious condition.
KGHM management announced a three-day period of mourning at all company facilities. Flags have been lowered to half-mast, and the company has suspended all non-essential operations to allow employees to grieve and for investigators to secure the scene. The victims were experienced workers with a combined total of over 50 years of service at the plant.
Investigation and initial findings
The State Labour Inspectorate and the public prosecutor’s office have launched an investigation into the causes of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest a possible failure of a cooling system in the converter, leading to a sudden release of hot gases.
– We are cooperating fully with the authorities to determine exactly what happened. Our priority is the safety of our workers and support for the families of the victims. – said Jan Kowalski, spokesperson for KGHM.
The smelter’s converter section has been sealed off and all similar maintenance procedures across the company have been suspended pending a full review of safety protocols. Industry experts note that copper smelting involves extreme temperatures and high-pressure systems, making rigorous safety checks critical.
Outpouring of solidarity and calls for enhanced safety
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences from local government officials, trade unions, and industry peers. A memorial service is being planned for next week at the smelter’s site, and a minute of silence will be observed across all KGHM operations.
– This is a devastating loss for all of us. We demand a thorough investigation and concrete improvements to workplace safety to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. – stwierdziła Anna Nowak, chairwoman of the Solidarity trade union at KGHM.
The company has pledged to provide psychological support for workers and financial assistance to the families of the deceased and injured. This incident is a stark reminder of the inherent risks in the metallurgical industry, and KGHM has reiterated its commitment to learning from this tragedy to strengthen safety measures across all its operations. The Polish Minister of State Assets also expressed deep condolences, announcing a special commission to review safety procedures in the entire metal sector.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. KGHM Polska Miedź
