On Thursday, 29 October, shortly after 22:00, a high-energy tremor occurred at the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Mining Plant of KGHM, felt in several towns in Lower Silesia. The company reports no injured people.
KGHM Polska Miedź’s press office confirmed the event. According to the company, a high-energy tremor occurred at the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Mining Plant at 22:00 (quoted from Dziennik). Company spokesman Artur Newecki told Polish Radio that KGHM is in contact with all staff from the endangered area and no injuries have been recorded.
Magnitude and residents’ accounts
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude of 4.8, with the epicentre about 10 km south of Głogów and roughly 8 km from Polkowice, at a depth of 10 km. According to media reports, residents of Głogów, Polkowice, Lubin and Jerzmanowa felt the tremors. They described lamps swaying and furniture vibrating for about 20 seconds. The duration data comes from residents, not from measurements.
Action at the mine
After the tremor, a procedure to evacuate workers from the endangered area was launched. Rescuers from the Mine Rescue Unit (JRGH) were dispatched to the site, and miners were gradually brought to the surface. According to KGHM, the event was related to ongoing mining operations at the mine.
What it means
Tremors of this scale occur regularly in the Copper Belt, but this one was among the stronger ones this year. Regional media note that serious building damage is rare at such magnitudes. Residents who notice cracks or other damage can report them to their commune office or to KGHM, which runs the procedure for reporting mining damage. As of publication, no information about surface damage has been given.
