Greenpeace on the shaft tower of Szczygłowice mine

Greenpeace activist group climbed the 55-foot shaft tower of the Szczygłowice mine in Knurów on Thursday morning, protesting "illegal methane emissions".

The participants suspended a banner on the tower that says, "There is simply a dangerous methane leaking from here". Police and fire department are on site.

According to Jastrzębska Węglowa (JSW), "the illegal action of Greenpeace activists created a direct threat to the life and wellness of mine workers".

JSW spokesperson Wojciech Sury in a message sent to PAP described that 8 Greenpeace activists invaded the Szczygłowice mine site on Thursday morning, and then climbed a 55-meter shaft tower. "Police and fire department work on site. The services are waiting for the negotiator to arrive" - said JSW.

"The illegal action of Greenpeace activists has created a direct threat to the life and wellness of mine workers. The management of the mine, guided by the safety of the underground crew, made the decision to decision the workers' movement to close Window No. III" - added Sury. JSW stresses that the share importantly disrupted the operation of the mine, which translates into measurable operating and financial losses on the part of JSW SA.

JG, PAP