New World Resources magazine
No. 1 2010
feature 4–7 The mines are safer than ever before
10–14 interview Marek Jelínek
22 photogallery Land reclamation Editorial
Dear readers
In the past two years, NWR has rolled out three big investment projects that have delivered more effective and safer coal mining and coke production thanks to new mining technology (project POP 2010), new work protection equipment (project SAFETY 2010) and the modernisation of our coking plants (project COP 2010). The benefits from these projects are in line with the Company’s expectations. The initiatives are, however, fast approaching completion, so the time is ripe for taking stock and planning for the future.
Our company foundation has also over the last year accomplished plenty of useful work. It supported hundreds of publicly beneficial projects, including providing assistance to non profit organisations that wanted to apply for subsidies from European funds. For example, the OKD Foundation assisted ‘Life without Open Mine No. 1 I 2010 barriers’ (Život bez bariér), an NGO in Nová Paka Published by: New World Resources N. V. in the north of the Czech Republic, to obtain nearly Jachthavenweg 109h 1081 KM Amsterdam, the Netherlands CZK 30 million from the regional development fund Tel.: +31 20 570 2200 for the creation of a centre for the disabled and other Fax: +31 20 570 2222 socially excluded groups in Nová Paka. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.newworldresources.eu Editor-in-Chief: Vladislav Sobol I wish you a pleasant reading. Production and distribution: Ján Fabián BISON & ROSE Design and typeset: BISON & ROSE Chief Operating Officer of NWR Registration: MK ČR E 18829 Submission deadline: 7. 5. 2010
All rights reserved. The reproduction and use of all images contained within this publication without the written approval of NWR is forbidden. The logos of companies, products and services introduced in this publication are the business trademarks of the respective firms. Questions, remarks and article ideas can be sent to: [email protected]
An electronic version of the magazine including active links is accessible on the Company website at: http://www.newworldresources.eu/openmine Content
2–4 news NWR financial results
5–7 feature The mines are safer than ever before
8 news 8 Modern coking battery under construction at Svoboda
9 news NWR sells its energy subsidiary
10–14 interview Marek Jelínek
15 story A custodian of mining memories and traditions
10–14 16–17 OKD Foundation The OKD Foundation is for Europe
18–19 mining around the world International news briefs
20 news New World Resources among best managed companies in Central and Eastern Europe
21 corporate social responsibility Seven good news items 18–19 22 photogallery Green oases continues to grow
Open Mine 1 I 2010 1 news
‘This is a company that shows significant growth potential’
Leading coal and coke producer NWR published its 2009 financial results on 25 February 2010. The following day, Marek Jelínek, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of NWR, gave his comments on the results to a Czech online portal for retail investors, www.investicniweb.cz.
demand for coking coal and rising there has definitely been a recovery, prices, both on the global level and and a dramatic one. The same is also in the region of Central and Eastern demonstrated by our fourth quarter Europe. We have already made the results where the recovery allowed first step and agreed prices with our us to even achieve profit, something customers for the first quarter only, we had not expected at all at the i.e. for approximately a quarter of our beginning of last year. annual production. We are now about to revalue and expect an increase in NWR planned a bond issue that our prices for the second quarter. was subsequently dropped. If we are successful in our What are the current financing transformation, we will be able to use needs of the company? What the price levels agreed in the spring is your target debt level and its between the Australian coal producers medium term structure? Investičníweb.cz: What are and the Japanese steel producers as a The intended bond was meant to your expectations for the coal guideline for our own negotiations. provide us with extra liquidity or market? How much of your financial resources. The objective 2010 production have you Can you describe the situation was to refinance the current debt. already contracted? in coke? We had wanted to swap deferral of Marek Jelínek: Each one of the three There are no dramatic changes in coke. debt maturity for higher cost as at commodities has been organised We continue to negotiate quarterly the time of initiating the process we differently for 2010, compared to and now have our first quarter had considered the credit market in previous developments. The simplest contracted. We expect an increase in our rating category very strong. We situation is in thermal coal, where we coke prices for the next quarter for had a clear idea of the target price. have maintained the same structure the same reasons as in the case of However, as soon as the credit market and contract for the calendar year. coking coal. (On 14 April 2010 NWR wavered due to problems in the Greek The contracts specify both volumes published the outcome of its pricing economy, it became evident that our and prices. The situation is a little negotiations with its customers. Look target price could never be realised. more complicated in coking coal. We at page 4 for the latest information on And as the Company was under no are currently trying intensively to the coal prices –Editor’s note) pressure to take such a step, we change our contracting structure in could afford to call the whole thing order to follow the Japanese Fiscal What are your views of the off. I do not rule out restoration of Year in negotiating prices with our situation in the steel industry? the project when the credit market customers – from April to March. To what extent do you sense stabilises again. (On 19 April 2010 (On 14 April 2010 NWR published the recovery? NWR announced the launch of EUR outcome of its pricing negotiations When you look at the production 475 million Senior Secured Notes with its customers. Look at the page 4 capacity utilisation index of some of and on 20 April 2010 announced the for the latest information on the coal our customers you can see that some successful pricing of these Notes. Look prices – Editor’s note) of them have already reached 100%, at page 4 for the latest information The reason for this is the increased while others are at 75 to 80%. So about these Notes.)
Open Mine 1 I 2010 2 news
What investments do you plan in the Czech Republic and Poland? NWR financial results The Debiensko mine in southern Poland remains a priority for us. The economic downturn has afforded for the first quarter 2010 us enough time to optimise the process of its commissioning. I can reveal that in the five-year period Highlights of its commissioning we plan to invest approximately • 1Q 2010 results reflect higher revenues driven by EUR 350 million. The NWR Board will discuss the increased coking coal and coke sales volumes relative to project in the latter half of 2010. If approved, the first 1Q 2009 material investments will take place at the beginning – Coal and coke production of 2,747kt and 251kt, of 2011. respectively – Total external sales of 2,652kt of coal and 279kt of Do you plan any further acquisitions? coke, up 30% and 171% respectively due to improved Understandably, we are interested in the Polish market market conditions as a whole. The whole mining sector is state-owned in – Consolidated revenues for continuing operations of Poland, apart from a few exceptions. We follow closely EUR 329 million, up 37% all the ongoing debates on possible privatisations. We – Change in inventories reduced EBITDA by EUR 8 million were pleased with the success last year of the Bogdanka in 1Q 2010, having increased EBITDA by EUR 63 million Initial Public Offering (“IPO”). We are hopeful that in 1Q 2009. This inventories’ movement resulted in a this success may open the door for further projects, negative impact of EUR 71 million in EBITDA between more interesting in terms of structure than an IPO of a the two periods minority stake on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. – Main operating costs up 2% on a constant currency basis, up 8% including the impact of foreign How and when will the profit from the sale of exchange fluctuations NWR Energy be reflected in the books? – EBITDA from continuing operations of EUR 57 million, If we speak of an accounting effect of the sale, we can up 1% say there will not be one because NWR Energy had been • Mining cash cost per tonne at EUR 72, up 8% on a accounted for as a “discontinued operations” for quite constant currency basis largely due to a 12% decrease some time. That is also why it has not been included in in production compared to 1Q 2009. On a constant the income statement, except for one line titled “profit production run rate basis, cash cost per tonne was stable from discontinued operations”. A significant impact of • Adjusted loss per A share of EUR (0.06) for 1Q 2010 the transaction will be the receipt of approximately • Unrestricted cash of EUR 481 million as at 31 March 2010 EUR 120 million in cash when the transaction is finally • Completed EUR 500 million debt financing in April 2010 settled in the second quarter of 2010. with no significant debt maturities until 2015 • Continued improvement in safety with LTIFR in mining Do you intend to pay a dividend if NWR is in operations down 36% in 1Q 2010 compared to 1Q 2009 the black? When will the decision be made? • Production targets for FY 2010 of 11.5Mt of coal and Our dividend policy remains unchanged. We continue to 1Mt of coke on track target to pay half of our consolidated annual net income • Expected total external sales of 10.5Mt of coal for over the course of the business cycle. Understandably, FY2010, 5.5 Mt of coking coal and 5Mt of thermal coal we have not paid any dividend in 2009 due to our • Successfully negotiated new coal and coke prices in losses. The dividend distribution will be assessed again April 2010 securing significant increases in prices as well after the half-year results for 2010. My personal view as more closely aligning pricing with global coal markets is that unless dramatic changes occur contrary to our – 80% of total expected coking coal sales priced at expectations, we could return to dividend distribution a blended average of EUR 163/t for JFY 2010; the this year. remaining 20% priced quarterly at an average of EUR 135/t for 2Q 2010 What is your view of the market price of NWR – Thermal coal priced at an average of EUR 65/t for stock? Have you considered selling your calendar year 2010 options? – Coke sales priced at EUR 255/t for 2Q 2010 I hold a comparatively small and uninteresting number • Longwall productivity rose 16% on the average of NWR shares and certainly do not plan to sell. I think performance for 2009 following implementation of the the Company has great growth potential. POP 2010 investment programme
Open Mine 1 I 2010 3 news
Update on 2010 prices Darkovské moře land reclamation finished NWR has reached agreements with its customers for coking coal sales for At around 145 hectares of land, the next 12 months as well as coke sales for the next 3 months. In line 5 million cubic metres of earth and with the Company’s strategy, coking coal contracts for 2010 now largely an investment reaching CZK 630 follow the Japanese Fiscal Year (“JFY”) since April to March. Some coking million, the Darkov sea project is coal is subject to quarterly pricing. Moravia’s biggest land reclamation project. The next stage will be to NWR has entered into agreements to sell 5.5Mt of its coking coal to plant trees and lay new grass. Darkov external customers between April 2010 and March 2011. Prices for Sea is located very near to the approximately 80% of these sales are agreed for the JFY 2010 period. town of Karviná. It is thus close to a The average price of the JFY 2010 settlements is approximately population, which in the future may EUR 163 per tonne, representing a 66% increase over the Q1 2010 prices enjoy the land as a recreation area of EUR 98 per tonne and 87% higher than average 2009 prices. The and zone for various leisure activities. Company has also agreed terms for the sale of 338kt of coke during the second calendar quarter of 2010 for an average price of EUR 255 per tonne, which is 32% higher than the EUR 193 average price for Q1 2010 OKD’s commitment and 71% higher than 2009 average prices. NWR expects to continue pricing coke on a quarterly basis for the rest of the calendar year 2010 to continuous in line with previous practice. improvement “The coking coal and coke price increases of 87% and 71% over 2009 The objective of the Continuous prices are very pleasing and provide strong evidence of a sustainable Improvement Progamme is to improvement in demand for New World Resources’ products,” involve the largest possible commented Mike Salamon, Executive Chairman of NWR’s Board. number of employees in drawing up proposals for improving the effectiveness of work in mines, has brought OKD savings of more than Successful pricing of EUR 475 CZK 100 million in 2009. “Many of the proposals relate to work safety,” million Senior Secured Notes said Chief Operating Officer of OKD Leo Bayer.
NWR announced on 20 April the pricing of EUR 475 million Senior Secured Notes due 2018. The Notes were issued with a coupon of Working together 7.875%. They will be guaranteed on a senior basis by the principal with our Trade Unions operating subsidiaries of NWR, including OKD, a.s., and will be secured by a pledge over the shares of such subsidiaries. The net proceeds of the OKD’s senior management signed a offering, together with approximately EUR 186 million cash, will be used collective agreement with the Trade to repay in full the outstanding amounts under NWR’s senior secured Unions for the years 2010-2012. It loan facilities, accrued interest and fees. was agreed, among other things, to retain last year’s standard wage “The successful placement of the Notes underlines the confidence of rate and a total of 22 average daily the capital markets in our strategy. Our strong financial position has earnings as vacation and Christmas allowed us the flexibility to timely approach the capital markets in order bonuses. “The new collective to ensure efficient pricing,” said Marek Jelinek, Executive Director and agreement will guarantee stable Chief Financial Officer of NWR. “We were very pleased with investor incomes to the employees and demand as the offer was significantly oversubscribed. With the issuance will allow the Company to tackle of these Notes, we have optimised our debt profile and prolonged our consequences of the economic crisis debt maturities, thus further improving our capital structure and better in a constructive manner,“ said positioning NWR for the long term,” added Jelinek. Miloslava Trgiňová, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of OKD.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 4 feature The mines are safer than ever before
The three-year introductory phase of the SAFETY 2010 programme, which OKD is now concluding, has borne fruit. The number of registered workplace injuries in the Company’s mines dropped by 17% in 2009 compared to the previous year; in the past three years, it declined by one third.
he Company decided to invest As part of SAFETY 2010, between (195 pieces) and OXY K50 self-rescue massively in the modernisation 2008 and March 2010 the miners devices with the service life extended T of its mining operations (through received new, high spec footwear to 10 years (13,000 pieces). During the POP 2010 project) and an increase (32,044 pairs were distributed to the 2010, we aim to completely replace in safety (through the SAFETY 2010 workforce); new t-shirts and shirts the all of the older equipment. programme) at the end of 2007. with high-visibility reflective safety “Before I started working at OKD, I tape (39,462 and 78,368 pieces Like in other technological fields, went to see the Ostrava mines. I saw respectively); new mining outfits advances in science allow equipment that there were quite a few projects (36,000 pieces); new protective to become more compact and lighter. that I could propose and then realise. helmets with visors (14,108 pieces); For example, the new underground The SAFETY 2010 programme is just and also T1005 lanterns including mining lamps are now half the size one of them,” says Klaus-Dieter Beck, charging stands (10,000 pieces) and and weight, which makes a noticeable Chief Executive Officer of OKD and K07 lanterns (500 pieces), Dräger difference to the miners on a daily Executive Director of NWR. X-am 5000 gas detection devices basis. Thanks to the use of NiMh dry
In the first phase the Company invested CZK 500 billion in safety New technology is not everything. What is important is the personal responsibility of each person that goes down a mine. measures, and nearly CZK 9 billion in new mining technologies. “These two areas are connected. The introduction of new mining technologies in our mines has had a great impact on the increase in safety.” explains Leo Bayer, Chief Operating Officer of OKD.
It can be difficult to grasp the scale of both projects, even for some experts in the mining sector. The following should therefore provide a sense of the scale of the investments.
POP 2010 is one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe. SAFETY 2010 is the largest purchase of mining work equipment ever realised in the Czech Republic.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 5 feature
accumulators, the new lamps have The gas detection devices are enhanced safety. Members of the also smaller (comparable in size main mine rescue station, HBZS in to a mobile phone) and they can Ostrava, also participated in their continuously measure the presence development. HBZS has been in of all life-threatening gasses: carbon charge of the mining lamps since monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane 2000, the result of which is the and nitrous oxide. In case of danger, modernisation of lights from classic they transmit both audible and bulbs to halogen bulbs to the latest visual alarm signals. Furthermore, the modern lights with LEDs and dry relevant data is saved in the memory elements. The producer guarantees of the device. that they provide sufficient light even after as long as 10 hours of “It’s not only about new protective continuous use. and technical equipment or about modern technologies provided under the framework of POP 2010,” Weekly magazine Horník says Miroslav Mančař, Head of the (The Miner) on the new Workplace Safety and Protection personal lamps: Department of OKD. “We try to “Those who do not yet have monitor and evaluate all risks, one, desperately want one!“ identify possible dangers and set up more effective health and safety measures. By introducing these As the weekly magazine Horník (The measures, we want to prevent Miner) wrote recently, “As regards dangerous situations and increase the the small, modern T 1005 lights, the safety of all the operations.” only – and totally understandable – negative reaction in the mines was The described progress is part of that those who do not yet have one, the new strategy that the OKD desperately want one!” management recently selected. The Like in other technological fields, advances in science allow equipment to become more compact and lighter.
6 Thanks to the use of NiMh dry accumulators, the new lamps have also enhanced safety.
make the work of miners and other against possible insufficiencies in The numbers say it all employees easier and increase safety,” their equipment. The number of registered explains Ján Fabián, Chairman of the injuries by employees of OKD Board of OKD and Chief Operating Despite quite encouraging results and of OKD’s suppliers in 2009 Officer of NWR. from so far, there is always room for was 346, 17% lower than improvement. “In the coming years, previous year. In the same OKD is also completing a detailed we want to continue to significantly period the number of serious audit under which the circumstances decrease the rate of injuries,” says injuries fell from seven to two. of work-related injuries most Beck. Three injuries proved fatal, frequently occur, and it aims to as opposed to seven in the identify areas in most need of High-visibility reflective stripes on previous year. Nevertheless, attention. The audit results should clothing greatly improve safety for NWR continues to work on become available during the second miners by making them easier to see. improving levels of safety in quarter of this year. 2010. Despite all the measures and investments, however, it is essential that employees also go about large-scale introductory investment their work with rising levels of programs were realised on the responsibility. The negligence of basis of audits and subsequent a single individual can endanger decisions of the management. everyone who works underground, The Company is also trying to and without the vigilance of each regularly involve employees in and every employee the Company devising additional methods for programmes cannot reach its full increasing safety and work efficiency. potential. “The project called ‘Continuous Improvement Programme’ enables The Company itself will not neglect workers to propose suggestions for prevention, thus the miners hear improvements and, consequently, words of caution at every team to be able to realise their ideas meeting. Furthermore, at the in working teams. We anticipate entrances of mines, short broadcasts that the project will, in particular, are screened to place miners on guard
Open Mine 1 I 2010 7 news Modern coking battery under construction at Svoboda
The average age of coking batteries in the Czech Republic is more than 20 years so the construction of an entirely new battery at the Svoboda coking plant in Ostrava, by OKK Koksovny (OKK), is an event for the whole domestic coking industry while at the same time it signals good prospects ahead for coke production in Europe.
he new coking battery is being temperatures. An insight into this and operating machinery will be established on the site of the is given by the amount of fireproof provided with modern equipment for T original battery no. 10, which materials that the construction will the capture of emissions originating was put into service in 1973. After consume – nearly 11,000 tonnes during coke production. 25 years of constant production, of fireclay, ganister and heatproof the battery was worn out so it was concrete. The combined pushing and The building of the battery is nearing decided to dismantle all of it except stamp charging machinery, reaching a the concluding phase. By now, the for its base plate. This was retained height of over 20 metres, moving over basic construction has been finished, for the new construction. Most coking a track with a gauge of 12 metres, including the assembly of the external batteries in the Czech Republic make weighs around 630 tonnes without a casing. Prior to that the base plate use of German technology designed load. The charge car weighs more than and supporting walls were refurbished by engineers such as Carl Still, Otto 60 tonnes, the transfer car weighs and new rail tracks were installed. A Hoffman and Heinrich Koppers. Even nearly 53 tonnes and the production 70-metre high chimney of monolithic today, their technology retains its pre- facility, made of steel, alone weighs a concrete set adjacent to the battery eminent market position. The current further 1,465 tonnes. It is possible to has also been completed. The producer of the technology, Thyssen- measure the heavy current distribution construction work and the subsequent Krupp, has further developed it. lines of electrical energy in kilometres. drying out of the facility will continue The battery is heated with the use of under the cover of a heated hangar. The new Still-type battery utilises the unit’s own coke oven gas. stamp charging and has 56 oven The machine room for the primary chambers. Upon its completion, OKK Attached to the coking battery is the condensation facility and the battery will confirm its position as the largest primary condensation and further discharge side platforms are being producer of foundry coke in Europe. chemical units where coke production constructed simultaneously. The It is projected that the battery will by-products, benzene and coke oven assembly of the pushing and stamp produce 214,500 tonnes of quality gas are processed. The new facility charging machine commenced in coke annually, using a coking process will operate within all applicable August 2009, while the mounting of that lasts approximately 32 hours. ecological limits. All waste stemming the main machinery is now also under from its construction and consequent way. The steel structure of the charge For the layman it can be difficult functioning will be disposed of in car has been in assembly on the ground to imagine what a construction of accordance with the legal requirements. at the terrain level since the end of this sort involves. In essence, we are During the trial operation, measurements 2009. After it has been equipped with talking about a large structure that will be taken of generated noise, the main parts, the car will be settled reminds one of ‘Lego principles’ with concentrations of chemical pollutants on the rail track at the level of the each layer of bricks having a distinct and dust in all workplaces. The supervisor gallery on the coking side shape and exactly fitting to adjoining fulfilment of emission limits will also be of the battery. The completion of the parts. Thanks to this it is gas-tight. verified with independently authorised construction and the initiation of the At the same time, the structure measuring for three months from the trial operation should occur later this must be extremely resistant to high initiation of the trial. The new battery year, in November.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 8 news NWR sells its energy subsidiary
At the beginning of 2010, NWR concluded the sale of NWR Energy a.s. (“NWR Energy“) to Dalkia Česká Republika, a.s. (“Dalkia“) for approximately EUR 122 million in cash.
“The sale of our energy business to Karviná. Dalkia is also a leader in Dalkia, an internationally reputed the production of electricity with energy company, is fully in line the use of so-called cogeneration with NWR’s strategy to focus on its on the Czech market. Cogeneration core activities of coal mining and is the simultaneous generation of coke production. We believe that electricity and heat, which makes outsourcing our energy supplies will possible a better use of energy enable us to further optimise our from used fuel. It is therefore more core activities. For NWR Energy, the effective and sparing where the integration with Dalkia will provide environment is concerned. Dalkia is among the key customers of NWR. the business with the potential for further development. We are pleased Dalkia is among the key customers of with the deal and look forward to NWR. It is NWR’s largest purchaser long-term cooperation with Dalkia”, of thermal coal designated for The buyer said Marek Jelinek, Executive Director the production of electricity Dalkia Česká republika, and Chief Financial Office of NWR. and heat. More than 40% of the a subsidiary of French world’s electricity is made from the corporation Dalkia and one Dalkia is a leading domestic energy combustion of thermal coal. of the largest suppliers of group and a traditional producer heat and electric power in and supplier of heat for large towns Co-operation between NWR and the Czech Republic and cities, for example Ostrava, Dalkia is further expanding. NWR Olomouc, Prague, Ústí nad Labem, Energy and its subsidiaries will on Transaction value Přerov, Havířov, Frýdek-Místek and the basis of a long-term agreement, EUR 122 million
More than 40% of the world’s electricity is made from the combustion of coal. henceforth, provide deliveries of energy and related services to hard coal mines, which are operated by NWR‘s subsidiary, OKD.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010, following the fulfilment of a number of conditions, including approvals by relevant antitrust offices and NWR lenders. NWR expects to use the net proceeds of the sale for corporate purposes.
9 x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Expansion in Central Europe is on the cards Flying between European cities several times a week on an endless merry-go-round of meetings, presentations and negotiations. Considering the sheer volume of his everyday workload, he comes across as incredibly composed, good- tempered and good-humoured. The man in question is Marek Jelínek, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of NWR.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 10 interview
You work in Amsterdam, which time I didn’t care whether my office today you are on the other is a pretty long way from would be in the Netherlands, in the side of the fence, constantly home. Did you always want to Czech Republic or somewhere else. negotiating with investment build your career abroad, or is bankers. How do you now that just the way things have NWR’s IPO was exceptionally view bankers? worked out? large in terms of the local conditions. Weren’t you a bit It is definitely a great advantage It has just worked out this way. The afraid? of mine. I think that I understand job I do now is extremely interesting, bankers better than those who exciting and fulfilling, and I’m really It was a great challenge and also haven’t had a similar history to mine. glad that I have the opportunity to an endurance test. We had no I know their mentality, tactics, and do it. But I haven’t the faintest idea guarantee that it would turn out as ways of doing things. Yet in general what things will be like in 5 to well as it finally did. In Amsterdam I the situation among bankers is the 10 years’ time - and I don’t even managed to bring together a small same as with other professions – give it that much of a thought. but excellent team that managed to there are many smart people among pull it off. There were about five of us them, as well as many other types. When did you decide to go working on a project for which you into finance? would normally need 50 people. To what extent do banking circles in London or I’ve always been interested in And your most vivid memory Amsterdam differ from the finance - it’s in the family. Both of of the IPO? What did it bring to environment you knew here in my parents work in this profession in you and what did it take out Prague? large Czech construction companies. of you? Large international banks do not What led you to start working It was a once in a lifetime experience, have such limited resources, be it as for a mining company? a monumental working commitment. regards money, technical possibilities I was living on my nerves and getting or human resources. Hence, it is Fifteen years ago I started working hardly any sleep. It cost me several logical that the transactions worked in the analytical department of billion brain cells. Yet the main thing on in large global centres are totally the private investment bank Patria was that I had a really good team different from those originating here Finance, owned by Mr Zdeněk able to give me the necessary support. in Central Europe. Yet, in essence, Bakala. At that time it was for I’ve been tremendously fortunate co-operation works in exactly the me an extremely prestigious job. with the people I’ve worked with. same manner. In Prague or elsewhere Later I was responsible for mergers in Central Europe you can find just as and acquisitions in which Patria But the transaction was many excellent people in banking as participated in the Czech Republic prepared in two parts, first in London. and neighbouring countries. When it was interrupted in an in 2004 the RPG Group took over advanced phase... You are a connecting link the Ostrava OKD mines, I received between the exact, pure an offer to join the Group. I then We were working on it day and night, world of bankers and the moved on to the parent company, and when the project was put on world of miners. How do these NWR, at a time when it was necessary hold it was initially very frustrating. worlds differ? to prepare the Company for further In retrospect I can see that it was development, especially in its entry clearly the right decision. The mood At the present time, there are many to the capital markets. I found it on the capital markets served us very discussion as to what role large attractive primarily owing to the well, and in May 2008 we attained international banks played in the planned Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), much better conditions than those – finally overcome, I hope – global which we accomplished in 2008. we could have achieved for the economic crisis. I think that bankers It was an enormous transaction, originally planned date, December have the tendency to be out of one that has yet to be surpassed in 2007. touch with reality and the physical Central Europe, and it was also an world. On the other hand, they are immense challenge - an opportunity You hail from the environment extremely aggressive and goal- I seized with great pleasure. At the of investment bankers, but orientated. Heavy industry is more
Open Mine 1 I 2010 11 interview
conservative, but it appears to me Those who know you say that How often do you visit the that it has its feet far more firmly on it is practically impossible to mines that NWR owns? the ground. see you rattled, you never raise your voice. Are you Hardly ever, which is a pity. Mainly Where do you spend the most simply of such a nature or owing to time pressure. But I am time? is it that you can keep your more beneficial for the company in temper so well? other places. Between London and Amsterdam. I’m sitting on a plane four to six times a It does have a lot to do with self- Have you had the chance to week. control. But I too have moments see other mines than those in when – metaphorically speaking – I the Karviná area? What about your family? am climbing the office walls! Not often, but it does happen. Besides our mines, I have only visited When they recognise who I am, they open-pit, not underground, mines. are pleased to see me! But seriously: When was the last time you my family knew what they were felt like giving someone a Open-pit mining (of brown getting into, so it doesn’t stress them piece of your mind? coal – Editor’s note) is not out. something that interests NWR? I can’t remember. It must have been a banker or someone like that. It is a totally different manner of business, with a different product, »Heavy industry has its feet Coal mining is an industry on a different market with different far more firmly on the whose position in society is customer networks. I don’t see any sensitive since it transforms potential synergies. ground than banking.« our environment. How do you personally cope with the fact How is NWR’s planned that you work in this branch? expansion into other Central European countries What’s the “official language” We must look at it realistically. For continuing? at home? the time being, there is no substitute for coking coal and coke in the The question of expansion in Central My partner has Czech roots. She production of carbon steel. Our Europe is increasingly topical. We was born in Prague but grew up in responsibility lies in the fact that we are intensively dealing with several Vienna. When I’m at home we speak must ensure that coal mining takes manners of entry into the Polish Czech. When I’m not around, then place in a sustainable manner, that it market, which, in our opinion, is they speak German. The children, of doesn’t destroy the areas in which we extremely promising. One of them is course, are learning other languages operate. And this is exactly what we Debiensko. A similar project has not at school. are doing. I think that our company been implemented in Central Europe really does do its utmost to minimise for decades. I am really looking And where do your children as fully as possible the impact of forward to it, even though my role consider “home”? our activities on its surrounding will primarily rest in securing the environment. money to open the mine. Prague, without a shadow of a doubt. During the holidays they’re going Mining companies are Are you satisfied with the home. frequently the target of attacks performance of the Ostrava on the part of environmental mines? How do you like to unwind? organisations… Definitely. But the greatest success With the family, when I actually get That is simply part and parcel of our in the past three years has been the to see them! And I also try to ski as business. I strive to hold an open and replacement of mining technologies at much as I can. That really helps – constructive dialogue with everyone. OKD. It is a truly revolutionary change. even though the Netherlands isn’t Yet if some attacks still occur, we can I think that Klaus-Dieter Beck (Chief exactly the greatest place for it. certainly handle it. Executive Officer of OKD and Executive
Open Mine 1 I 2010 12 Director of NWR – Editor’s note) and finance but also responsible world sitting on the Board his team have done an enormous for managing the whole of Directors, the Supervisory amount of work. It is amazing that executive... Board and in other positions. they managed it considering the Which of your colleagues has difficult period we experienced last Yes, NWR doesn’t have a Chief captivated or inspired you the year. In this project too, my role was Executive Officer, as is usual in the most? primarily limited to paying the bills. It case of the holding structures of wasn’t easy, but we succeeded. Dutch companies. There are Chief Working with Mike Salamon, our Executive Officers of OKD and other Chairman of the Board, a leading It appears that selecting operating subsidiaries of ours. I am personality in the international Klaus-Dieter Beck for this Executive Director of NWR and thus mining industry, is truly a great position was a masterstroke really do manage the Company’s experience. by NWR. everyday operation. But I wouldn’t overestimate it; every one of us is Why did you choose to It certainly was. replaceable. headquarter the company in Amsterdam in particular? You talk about your role in the You have a plethora of company very modestly, yet personalities with diverse London is an important centre for you are not only in charge of experience from all over the us with a relevant capital market
Open Mine 1 I 2010 13 interview
and financial sector. Yet London as one of the countries that invented through those 300 e-mails I didn’t is unnecessarily expensive as a capitalism. And I expected that it read the day before, all my colleagues headquarters, both for companies would look like that. try to get me on my own for a while and employees. And the flight before I leave again, and all of a from Amsterdam to London lasts How many people in the sudden it is late in the evening and 45 minutes and thanks to the time Amsterdam team are Dutch? I’m on the way home. There isn’t difference you land in London before really a third variant. you’ve taken off in Amsterdam, which About half of them are Dutch, the is helpful. It must also be said that rest are from other countries – we’re When was the last time you the Netherlands has a favourable tax a truly multicultural team, which went for a walk? Or to the environment. in my opinion contributes to our theatre? good functioning. We’ve got people with different experiences and To the theatre? About six months »The job I do now is perspectives on things. ago in London, but I can’t remember exactly what it was I went to see. Oh, extremely interesting, Today we also work with yes: “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. exciting and fulfilling, and modern communication means I went for a walk on Saturday, by after leaving the workplace, the sea with the kids. A biting wind, I’m really glad that I have yet the other side of the coin around zero. Within 10 minutes all of is that direct interpersonal us were chilled to the bone and had the opportunity to do it.« communication is on the to get some hot chocolate, which, wane. Don’t you miss it? needless to say, met with far greater success than the walk itself. How does the corporate I still have enough direct contact. environment differ in I think that it is good that everyone What would your ideal holiday the Czech Republic, in can be reached through email, for be? Amsterdam, in London? Are example. Matters can be sorted out there significant cultural much faster and more efficiently, My ideal holiday is one spent in the differences between them? which suits me down to the ground. mountains. I really hope I’ll be able to I’m also in love with my iPhone! go there in the summer. The corporate environment doesn’t vary that much, but one thing Can you describe a typical When was the last time about the Netherlands never fails to work day? you bought something on surprise me. Throughout my Czech impulse? schooldays we were being prepared Very frequently I spend the work for a life in a socialist society, but day outside the office, travelling. In I haven’t the foggiest idea. I only go it is only now that I’m experiencing London, for instance. If so, then I get shopping once in a blue moon. true socialism. In the Netherlands up at five, board the plane at seven, they’ve really got it made! I still land at seven London time, crawl So you never treat yourself? can’t get my head around it, since through the traffic jams to meetings. at first glance the country looks the These last all day long, I mostly Not by shopping. Although… today I same as the rest of Europe. Everyone manage to attend five or six meetings. made use of my visit to Prague to buy understands English, there’s no Then crawling through the London some “Jelení lůj” (sort of lip-salve – problem communicating with the traffic jams back to the airport again. Editor’s note). You can only get it in Dutch, but it’s a completely different At nine or ten I land in Amsterdam, the Czech Republic, they don’t have it culture. The people here place a far go home and collapse on the sofa. in the Netherlands. higher value on their health, their Check my email, which I haven’t had general wellbeing, and these values time to do all day since I’ve been Is it the same as Labelo (sort of are much higher on their scale than haring around London, and soon after lip-salve – Editor’s note)? success at work and the money they go to bed. That’s one variant. The make. For me it was quite a shock, second is that I come to the office No, it’s not the same. Jelení lůj is because I’d perceived the Netherlands in Amsterdam in the morning, go Jelení lůj!
Open Mine 1 I 2010 14 story A custodian of mining memories and traditions
monitoring a decline in mining,” Kimer In recent years, the Landek Foundation recalls. “At the time, a great effort was has endeavoured to ensure that four being made to build a mining museum industrial mining monuments in the and to save technical monuments. The Ostrava region (Dolní Vítkovice and Directors of the Landek Foundation, the Petr Cingr, Vrbice and Anselm Pravoslav Vokřínek and Stanislav mines) are included on the UNESCO Vopasek, were in the vanguard of this World Heritage List. Getting listed initiative. At Vopasek’s suggestion, I among the world’s outstanding was elected a member of the Board historical monuments would of Administration of Ostrava’s Landek undoubtedly help increase interest Foundation and in September 2006 in industrial tourism and the entire I became its Director, right after the Ostrava region. late Vopasek. At that time, I had already been a member of the Club of And what is Kimer’s current priority? Friends of the OKD Mining Museum in “To keep the Foundation’s activities at In 1958, Josef Kimer (second from left) Ostrava-Petřkovice for two years.” a sustainable level and, above all, to worked in Afghanistan as an expert in mine surveying and geodesy. cooperate with our sponsors,” he says. It was thanks to Josef Kimer’s efforts “I would consider the OKD Foundation that funds were secured and a headed by Blanka Týřová to be the “At 76 years of age, I am constantly number of technical monuments most important of these.” on the go, which has an advantage were preserved for the burgeoning in that I don’t have time to visit the museum. Now 15 years old, the doctor,” says Josef Kimer with a smile. Landek Foundation has a broad All his life has been devoted to mining. mission. It continues to conserve and Goals of Landek For a good number of years he could maintain unique mining facilities, and Foundation have been enjoying the peaceful life it also works to preserve and renew • Preserve and maintain of retirement, but his character and mining customs and traditions. It mining monuments and the tumultuous events that were acquaints the public with the history documents, particularly unfolding around him did not allow of mining and its importance, whilst in the Ostrava-Karviná him to stand in a role of disinterested simultaneously pursuing a wide range coalfield. observer. He wants to be “in the thick of publication activities. Besides this, • Preserve and maintain of things”, to influence public life and it supports culture in the region and localities connected with to “push” things forward. He wants beyond, and sponsors activities for mining or localities which to be useful and successful, just like children and young people. “I really have been connected with a young man. That’s one reason why appreciate the accommodating mining at any given time in he took on the job of Director of the attitude of OKD’s management,” says the past. Landek Foundation in Ostrava – that Kimer with emphasis. “For the sake • Acquaint the public with and his experience, abilities, desire and of comparison, last year’s grant from the history of mining as perpetual enthusiasm. the OKD Foundation amounted to one well as its development and third of our total funds obtained from importance. “Everything began when I was already all sponsors. We spent a significant • Preserve and renew old quite old and I became Head of portion of this on the OKD Mining mining customs and the Mining Division of the Unigeo Museum’s projects, which underscores traditions. enterprise, which is involved in the main goal of the foundation.”
Open Mine 1 I 2010 15 OKD Foundation The OKD Foundation is for Europe
Are you in favour of Europe? The OKD Foundation certainly is – if it simultaneously helps people in the Czech Republic, that is. That is precisely why the ‘For Europe’ programme was launched two years ago. It is a programme that has taken a while to bear fruit, but it has been all the sweeter for that. What does the initiative specifically involve?
“Non profit organisations often have to European Union funds. Receiving any professional services in project deal with major difficulties in accessing support from these funds, however, development, a feasibility study and the financial resources necessary for requires the presentation of a flawless other required documents that will their very operation and investments application that stands up to a improve the chances of success in in their own development. Sponsors rigorous approval process. The process obtaining European financial support,” prefer to provide financial support of developing an application requires said Blanka Týřová, Director of the for activities with particular tangible an extensive pool of experience, OKD Foundation, explaining the results and public benefits. They expertise and, in many cases, some essence of the grant programme. seldom contribute to the electricity initial funding as well. But non profit “The For Europe programme receives bills or printer repairs of non profit organisations seldom have access to applications from organisations organisations, as these needs lack the necessary experience or financial presenting sophisticated and long- appeal for the sponsors despite the resources. This was the line of thinking term activities. The demand for the fact that such bills are inherent to any that guided the OKD Foundation programme is lower than the demand project,“ explains Miroslav Kundrata, in launching a grant programme levels for other OKD Foundation grant Director of the Partnership Foundation unparalleled in the Czech Republic, programmes, but this means there (Nadace Partnerství) explains. and perhaps Central Europe. is a higher likelihood of success in One of the options available to non “Projects applying for EU funding applicants obtaining support,” added profit organisations for obtaining the may obtain support from the OKD Vladislav Sobol, spokesperson for the necessary support come in the form of Foundation and use it to obtain OKD Foundation.
They wagered two evenings of brainstorming, and received 50,000 They wagered again, and gained 30,000,000
Gambling, however, it most certainly Podkrkonoší microregion at the foot jump facility in the Czech Republic. was not. What we are talking about of the Krkonoše Mountains. We took a The traditional motocross event held here is the success achieved by Life trip there to see how life is in the area. every July. A town where residents, without barriers (Život bez bariér), 5,000 altogether, are charged nothing an NGO from Nová Paka, with the A small town between the hills. for refuse collection thanks to waste support of the OKD Foundation. The Red ferrous soil in the fields. Traffic separation. All this is Nová Paka, organisation was the first to fulfil flowing from Prague to the Krkonoše a place where people can achieve the essential aims of the For Europe Mountains at the start of the notable feats. grant programme. Thanks to an OKD weekend, and flowing back again Foundation grant of CZK 50,000, at the end of it. All the cars going The local hospital compound, where Life without barriers obtained nearly straight through the centre of the the new centre for the disabled and CZK 30 million in subsidies from town – a ring road, despite 15 years elderly is to be built, looks a little European funds to help build a centre of government promises, does not shabby and derelict from a distance. for disabled and elderly people in the exist. Perhaps the lowest-placed ski- And more than a little from up close,
Open Mine 1 I 2010 16 OKD Foundation
CZK 65,000 raised for mining orphans and diabetic children
Virtually everyone contributed to the preservation of the hospital compound in Nová Paka, sometimes by purchasing goods from the local sheltered workshop. but that is not much of a surprise since the hospital has been shut for years and there has been no investment since the closure of the hospital. However, the site overlooking the town has retained its unique atmosphere.
“Life without barriers? No idea.” is the most frequent answer from randomly quizzed passersby. “The monastery? That’s a completely different Donations and the provision of mutual matter! The monastery lives on!” To many of the locals the NGO’s name support have a long tradition in “Life without barriers” is not familiar, but nearly everyone has contributed Czech mining communities. The OKD in one way or another to the preservation and restoration of the hospital Foundation, however, managed to compound and the adjacent former monastery, which remains one of the engage a much wider array of people town’s dominant structures. People from near and far are familiar with in a fundraiser for the St. Barbara Civic the multi-genre festival “The monastery lives on”. The revenues from the Association, which supports mining festival also go towards the same purpose. orphans and the Ostrava NGO Children with diabetes (Dítě s diabetem), which The civic association offices are adorned with photos of numerous cares for diabetic children. In the well-known faces: ex-prime minister Mirek Topolánek and the popular weeks leading up to last Christmas, TV commentator Miroslav Bosák among them. The desks are manned by the Foundation initiated the sale Jitka Fučíková and her husband, the driving force behind the majority of of small ceramic carp fish made in activities concerning the compound. Josef Fučík has been confined to a the sheltered workshop of the St wheelchair following a car accident many years ago, yet it hasn’t stopped Alexander Charity. The first public him from managing an amazing amount of activities. The monastery collection received contributions compound could very well be non-existent by now if it had not been for from OKD employees and from the efforts of this husband and wife team. collaborating companies, including OKD, the OKD, Doprava transport They speak of the unselfish help from 15 colleagues who have also put division and the Central Mine Rescue their hearts into the project. They also speak of the summer festival that Station. The collection was also open saw the power to the main stage cut off shortly before the festival was to the public in Ostrava and Karviná. due to start because on non-payment. Association members quickly pooled The proceeds of CZK 65,000 will be their own money to settle the bill. The festival took place, enjoyed perfect divided between St. Barbara and Dítě weather and was deemed unforgettable by a record number of visitors. s diabetem. And none of the visitors had any idea of the threat that had been posed to its very existence. Similar occasions, for which every penny counts, are the “The miners were familiar with St. daily lot of the non profit sector. Barbara because a collection had been held for it before, while Children with Nová Paka now looks forward to better times. With its CZK 30 million diabetes was chosen by employees grant, restoration of the compound is bound to pick up from its previous and the public in an internet poll,” snail’s pace, and the town will be able to provide an environment for the said OKD Foundation Director Blanka numerous socially excluded people who have lacked such a facility in the Týřová, explaining the reasons for area, offering an opportunity for them to cross barriers and return to choosing the two beneficiaries of the normality in life. The monastery lives on! Christmas collection.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 17 mining around the world
Diamond Route opened
A quarter of a million hectares of The idea to set up Diamond Route land in a diamond mining area have was born in 2004 when De Beers been opened to the public thanks signed a memorandum with Birdlife, to the cooperation of the De Beers an organisation that also cooperates mining company and its majority with a number of other large mining owner, the Oppenheimer family. companies. In recent years, new accommodation capacities and other Diamond Route is a project aimed services have been established along at acquainting the public with the the trail, while cultural events have past, present and future of diamond proliferated as well. A number of mining in South Africa as part of areas have been made accessible by the country’s cultural and natural means of pedestrian paths or roads heritage while at the same time for off-road vehicles. providing support for environmental protection. It is also an attraction for A group of guides has been trained Big Hole in Kimberley the local tourist industry – the route for the project. They possess detailed (Source: commons.wikipedia.org) winds through nine diamond mines, knowledge of local wildlife, which including Kimberly’s world famous can be observed from dedicated “Big Hole”, as well as unique natural viewing spots. locality, is currently being prepared wonders of local national parks. The by OKD in the Ostrava region. Details project will also open the door for A similar project, inspired by will be available in a future issue of research and educational projects. opportunities in a coal mining Open Mine.
Stricter environmental protection may affect energy prices
While the last two decades have Stricter environmental protection been marked by global discussions may lead to reduced investment concerning air pollution and efforts in coal mining development and a Waste management is governed by strict European legislation. at addressing it, the future may see long-term increase in energy prices, (Source: en.wikipedia.org) similar developments in the area of according to the American mining water resources. This was predicted by companies. Decreasing water and energy consumption is also some US coal producers in reaction a big topic for NWR. (Source: en.wikipedia.org) to steps taken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has lately intensified its monitoring of wastewaters produced by mining activities.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 18 mining around the world
BHP Billiton approves USD 267 million investment for Australian coal projects development
World mining leader BHP Billiton Investment initiatives will help to announced at the beginning of the expand mining at the Caval Ridge and year its intention to speed up the Peak Downs sites. Altogether, around development of its coal-related 8 million tonnes of coal should be projects in Queensland, Australia. Its annually extracted from these locations. commitment will entail the biggest Financial resources will also support coal mining investment of the last feasibility studies for new sites and a three years – the biggest since NWR 20% extension of the Hay Point coal Hay Point, one of the largest seaports in launched POP 2010. terminal’s capacity. This currently stands the world specialising in coal shipping. at 44 million tonnes of coal per year. (Source: www.greenaward.org)
China to investigate iron ore pricing
China, the world’s largest consumer agreements to shorter-term contracts, of iron ore, said it is investigating prompting vocal concerns from Chinese the possibility that the world’s three steel-makers. largest producers of iron ore may be monopolising control over pricing of The Chinese detractors join steelmakers the steel-making material. elsewhere who have also commented about the pricing control of the three Ministry spokesman Yao Jian said at mining companies. a press conference: „The commerce Red gold. ministry’s anti-trust bureau is currently Eurofer, the European Confederation (Source: commons.wikipedia.org) studying the issue.“ of Iron and Steel Industries, last month notified the European Commission In recent weeks, Vale SA, Rio Tinto and about possible anti-competitive The World Steel Association (WSA) has BHP Billiton have announced a move practices and abuse of dominant also weighed into the debate, saying from the traditional annual iron-ore position by the main suppliers. there is an urgent need for competition authorities to examine the market. The situation in iron ore is becoming increasingly sensitive. Not long ago, China accused members of Rio Tinto‘s top management of corruption. They face long sentences if convicted. WSA Director General Ian Christmas (Source: britannica.com) said earlier this month that authorities must review „the market behaviour of the three companies that dominate the business. They need to decide whether the uncompetitive nature of this business is in the public interest given that is used in virtually every aspect of the modern economy.“
Open Mine 1 I 2010 19 news New World Resources among best managed companies in Central and Eastern Europe
New World Resources Company has been awarded ‘Best Managed Company in the Metals and Mining Sector in Central and Eastern Europe’ in the Euromoney magazine Best Managed Companies in Central and Eastern Europe Annual Poll.
he poll rewards those companies with the most convincing and T coherent business strategies by region, country and industry, as well as highlighting those that demon- strate sound practise of corporate governance.
The ranking is based on a survey of market analysts at major banks, consultancy firms and research institutes focusing on Central and Eastern Europe. Respondents were asked to nominate the top three companies in each of the countries or sectors they covered, taking into account their market strength, profitability, growth potential, quality of management and earnings.
In the same poll NWR also received second place for Most Improved Company in Central and Eastern Europe.
Petra Masinova, Head of Corporate The top places in individual categories are occupied by companies with the highest standards of corporate governance. Communications at NWR, said: “We are delighted to receive these awards, which recognise the hard Published in the May 2010 issue of The full results of the poll and the work, diligence and talent of our the magazine, the Best Managed methodology are available online at managerial team. The awards are Companies in Central and Eastern www.euromoney.com as well as in particularly pleasing as they reflect Europe Annual Poll is one of the most the May 2010 edition of Euromoney the views of professionals and prominent recognitions given by magazine. industry peers in the markets where Euromoney magazine to corporations we operate.” in Central and Eastern Europe.
Open Mine 1 I 2010 20 corporate social responsibility
Seven good news items
The media is full of catastrophes contest, various public undertakings and the last issue of Open Mine was and a quiz being included in school marked by restrained optimism with curricula. Besides local students and regard to the uncertainties that had clubs, students from as far as Japan, been generated by the financial crisis. Korea and Tibet participated in the So allow us to present you with at project. least one page that brings you good news, guaranteed. 4. The best-kept public area Some 800 hours of work and CZK 1. Record interest in grants this year 350,000 from the OKD Foundation The OKD Foundation began its the went into creating the entry that won third year of existence with a new a contest for the best-kept public Fulnek is a witness to the revival of the round of grants. Although the interest area in the Czech Republic. The award local Capuchin monastery as well as the heritage of John Amos Comenius (Jan shown by non profit organisations went to the leisure time facility within Amos Komenský). has always been significant, this year the housing estate in Klimkovice, has exceeded all expectations. The near Ostrava. The community project, or making pancakes. Six-strong Foundation has registered almost a designed and carried out by the locals, teams also competed in cutting tiles, thousand applications, the best of changed an empty patch between making artistic photos or bouquets, which can expect to be rewarded blocks of flats into a place teeming or recognising car engine parts. They with a share in approximately CZK 20 with life. were assisted by students/trainees, million. The results of the approval who in turn were monitored by their process will be announced in May. 5. Solidarity at a time of hardship teachers and supervisors. This event, The Saint Barbara Civic Association, which provided pupils with a chance 2. Protection of wells in the which looks after mining orphans, has to learn about various industries and Beskydy Mountains a good reason to rejoice. A collection provided schools with the opportunity Conservationists from Valašské on its behalf, which traditionally of presenting their curricula, received Meziříčí continue with the Mapping takes place during gatherings of OKD CZK 55,000 from the For Joy grant of Wells and Marshes project in the employees, fetched a record CZK programme of the OKD Foundation. Beskydy Mountains. This project, 256,900. It will enable the Association supported by the OKD Foundation, to increase its contributions towards 7. Focus on senior citizens and aims to collect data on wells, springs, the education of all the children under children pools and marshy mountain meadows. its auspices. The Association will now At 100 square metres, Fiducia ranks The project database currently holds provide subsidies for the acquisition among the largest second-hand 229 sites that receive regular care of computers, quite indispensable in bookshops in Northern Moravia and from the conservationists. education nowadays, of up to CZK Silesia. It includes an adjacent cultural 10,000. centre with a small gallery specialising 3. Jan Amos Komenský celebrated in photography exhibitions and in Fulnek 6. Manual work in itself has yet to another gallery in the basement. With Lately, the Czech Republic has been harm someone... support from the OKD Foundation, represented abroad primarily by ice Young people, however, prefer arts or the bookshop holds artistic workshops hockey players and fashion models. working with information technology for children and lectures for senior In Fulnek, they decided to change while people in general gradually lose citizens. “Topics of the lectures include the situation. Support from the OKD their dexterity. The contest called prominent natives of Ostrava or the Foundation helped to revive the legacy “Craft has a Golden Base”, which took anti-communist resistance,” Marcela of the town’s most famous native: place at elementary schools across Lysáčková, Head of the Project, Jan Amos Komenský, a pioneer who Ostrava, allowed pupils to experience explained. Her father used to work changed education systems across various skills. They could try working as a miner at the Máj Mine and later Europe. The project resulted in a three- with ordinary nuts and bolts or wood as a trainer at the mining apprentice kilometre educational trail, a literary saws, or connecting wires to bulbs training centre.
21 x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-xfotogalerie | photogallery Green oases continues to grow
The freshly sown grass is already being grazed by brontosauruses.
New hunting grounds have taken the place of slag heaps.
Throngs of children pour into the new dinopark in Macurůvka, near Orlová.
A new feature of the landscape, the St Barbara Church in Louky nad Olší, by the architect Ladislav Mirta.
The northern part of Louky had to give way to mining. Today, the preserved church serves as a reminder of what once was.
Open mine 1 I 2009 22 x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
A walk by Lazecká Stream. Setting out in the footsteps of OKD.
It is partly thanks to mining that Northern Moravia ranks among the greenest regions.
The leaning tower in Karviná. The Church of St Peter of Alcantara, the local baroque jewel.
People left because Within sight of the of coal. What remains largest deep mine in the is a paradise for fish, country. amphibians and birds.
Open mine 1 I 2009 Open Mine 1 I 2010 23