Shaft liquidation method adjusted for high precipitation associated with climate change impact

In connection with the implementation of the international project TEXMIN within the framework of the RFCS fund, a project for the liquidation of the Głowacki Shaft in Rybnik (Poland) was undertaken, which takes into account the effects of climate change, i.e. evaluation of the increase of precipitation in the region. In addition to the standard research undertaken before liquidation activities, precipitation data recorded by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management from 1995 to 2019 was collected and the precipitation variability was analysed. As a result, a method for liquidation of the shaft was selected consisting of constructing a permeable backfill column in the shaft and using a shaft pipe filled with permeable backfill material. Metallurgical aggregate was identified as a suitable backfill material, for which degradation tests, filtration coefficient tests and an assessment of its impact on water quality were carried out. It has been determined that a backfill column constructed in this manner can fulfil its function as a long-term gravity-driven water flow.