Kopalnia „Bach” w Cybince - historia zastosowania metody zamrażania górotworu w górnictwie węgla brunatnego

The article describes the application of the artificial ground freezing method for sinking the shafts of the now-defunct Bach lignite mine in Cybinka (Lubusz Province). It was probably the only instance of such a procedure in lignite mining in Poland. The text presents the origins of this method, patented in 1863 by F.H. Poetsch, and the examples of mines where this technique was implemented, with particular emphasis on the Polish lands. The course of freezing the Bach V and Bach VI shafts and the problems that occurred at the very beginning of their exploitation are described in detail. As a result of errors made during the drilling of freezing holes, both shafts were completely flooded with groundwater. The paper also aims to analyse the causes of this mining disaster.