Refurbishment of the Augustus shaft in Freital: permanent solution in sight?

Refurbishment of the Augustus shaft in Freital: permanent solution in sight?

in Freital, on Rotkopf-Görg-Straße, the allotment gardeners enjoy the spring flowers, while the renovation of the Augustus shaft is progressing in the background. This work has become necessary because a brick vault has collapsed in the shaft, which led to around 1,500 cubic meters of rock crashed. The scope of the hole resulting is 30 by 40 meters, and security measures were immediately taken to avoid further damage. Fortunately, no people were injured, but some gazeboards and plots are affected. Project manager Heiko Horn from Oberbergamt Freiberg explains that the cause of the collapse in the rise of the groundwater was to be found after the mining stop in 1993.

Special attention requires the challenge that the old concrete tunnel from 1992 represents. This concrete seal prevented a necessary air subsequent flow, which ultimately led to the implosion. In order to ensure the security of the shaft in the long term, elaborate technologies must now be used. To secure the shaft, the rock for the shaft was solidified and a total of 45 boreholes were created.

renovation progress and technologies

A central component of the renovation is the installation of a reinforced concrete slab with a circumference of about 13 by 14 meters. As a result, twelve chambers between two and six meters are planned. Engineers monitor the construction and take off the chambers, while a demolition robot is used for the excavation work, which amounts to around 100,000 euros. For stabilization, steel beams are installed in the chambers to ensure that they can withstand the loads.

The previous renovation costs have already exceeded the 5.5 million euros mark, which comes from state funds. Despite this situation, experts emphasize the need for such elaborate procedures to permanently secure the shaft. Until the end of the year, those responsible strive for the completion of the chambers to minimize the risks for the environment.

connection with water management

The challenges that arise in connection with the Augustus shaft reflect broader topics of water management, which are also discussed in the discussion about sustainable practices in mining. The 10th water workshop took place in 2020, which dealt with the sustainable water management in mining and mining engines. Experts from various disciplines discussed the interactions between mining, water quality and water management.

Mining can strengthen local management and create jobs, but also carries risks such as water pollution and water shortages. The governance mechanisms for reducing adverse effects were discussed to ensure that the water supply of the municipalities is not endangered. Necessary standards and the role of the Water Stewardship were also discussed, with it emphasized that only a few companies perceive responsibility for water resources.

experts indicate the need to establish transparent criteria and avoid conflicts of interest in order to ensure both social justice and ecological integrity. This is particularly relevant if you look at the current measures in Freital, which represent an example of the challenges and solutions in water management.