NOSA Receives Recognition and Generates Significant Interest at Turkey International Coal Congress and Exhibition 2024
NOSA participated in a coal conference in Turkey from September 12th to 13th, 2024. The NOSA stand was visited mainly by companies operating in the Zonguldak region. Throughout the day, significant interest was shown in the NOSA system, particularly in its applicability to the Turkish coal industry. This interest was mainly in the form of inquiries about its features, benefits, and potential implementation. The 23rd International Coal Congress of Turkey, held in Zonguldak, was attended by industry representatives, government officials, and university lecturers.
Lecturers from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Dokuz Eylül University, and Eskişehir Osmangazi University, as well as representatives of sector associations and mining engineers working in the Turkish Coal Enterprises, visited our stand. All participants were informed about the NOSA system, and brochures were distributed. NOSA pens and other promotional materials were also handed out.
The papers presented during the conference highlighted mining accidents and incidents resulting from the lack of proper systems and independent verification. It was mentioned that this issue is not fully addressed in Turkey, and that audits are sometimes carried out without considering the industry-specific knowledge and experience of auditors. Specifically, the current legislation lacks provisions for regular and independent safety audits, and there is a need for more stringent regulations regarding the use of safety equipment. It has been acknowledged that these deficiencies in the current legislation are a significant challenge.
The Zonguldak coal basin, located in a region with difficult geological formations, has been the site of hard coal extraction for 150 years. Mining activities were previously carried out solely by the government, but recently, the government has started to involve external companies and open the mining sector to investors. The Zonguldak hard coal basin is currently operated by both the government and the private sector.
The Zonguldak basin is witnessing a significant transformation in its mining operations. Companies are moving away from primitive methods to semi- or fully mechanized activities, a transition that promises to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This shift, combined with the industry’s interest in the NOSA Five Star Systems and international independent auditing, particularly for coal mining, paints a reassuring picture for the future of the industry.
During the conference, government officials, including Zonguldak CHP Deputy Deniz Yavuzyılmaz, who is a key figure in the region’s coal industry, emphasized the importance of preventing fatalities and the need for competent independent auditing. They received NOSA Five Star Systems brochures for consideration.
The last day of the congress was a moment of pride for NOSA as we were pleasantly surprised to receive a plaque of appreciation from the esteemed Chamber of Mining Engineers. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mining industry and a source of pride for all of us at NOSA.
