Deuna cement plant: open day on mining and training
On August 17, 2024, the Dyckerhoff cement plant in Deuna was doubly busy with the Open-Pit Mine Open Day and the Training Open Day. On a beautiful sunny day, more than 2,200 visitors had a chance to find out what goes on behind the scenes at our plant. This year's focus was on the issues of sustainability of open-pit mining and revegetation of the mining area, as well as the continuing education and training programs offered at the site.
Over the past two years the plant launched numerous initiatives to promote biodiversity and recultivation of open-pit mining areas and conducted mapping and scientific studies. The public's great interest in the quarry had been evident at a previous meeting with local citizens, as well as during the guided tours that are regularly held inside the facility for visitors both young and old. The guided tours of the mine, organized in small groups accompanied by plant managers, as well as the Open Sky Night, were quickly fully booked.
During the Open-Pit Mine Open Day, six buses were chartered to accommodate the large number of visitors expected. Each had a plant manager who provided information about the facility and the mining process. The tour, which started from the lot in front of the plant, led directly to the second mining level, to the mobile crusher, and then back again.
Once off the bus, guests were able to explore some designated areas of the quarry on foot. The workshop, which usually serves as a depot for mining machines, was converted into a movie theater where a video was shown on the modern blasting technique used at Deuna.
The event was supported by local partners. The Thüringen-Forst – the Thuringian Forestry Authority – was on site with an information camper dedicated to the forest. The biologist from the Mineral Building Materials Entrepreneurs Association caught tadpoles and toads for the intrigued children to observe. Protected bird species nesting in the quarry were also discussed. Some of our employees stood near information panels on the topics of biodiversity, hydrogeology, recultivation, and more to talk with visitors.
The parking lot in front of the plant was transformed into a fairground, where the "gourmet food court" welcomed visitors with grilled specialties, coffee, cakes, cold drinks, and cocktails. While the adults enjoyed the sunny day, the children went wild in the bouncy castle and on the toy forklift track. The main prize offered by the wheel of fortune was a ride in a hot air balloon, for which an information tent was set up for guests.
Detailed information was provided on open-pit mining and the cement production process. As the train station area was cordoned off for safety reasons, department employees set up a pavilion on the fairground where they explained the operation of the station.
There was also no shortage of initiatives for health-related services. At the AOK (Local General Care Fund), cervical spine and blood pressure checks were performed. At the German Stem Cell Donor Registry (DSD) tent, visitors were able to sign up for the stem cell donor registry by taking a simple oral swab, to help people with leukemia.
Our training department took the opportunity to present its wide-ranging curriculum. At Deuna we not only train our own apprentices, but also offer local companies the chance to train their workers at our facilities. Outsiders can specialize in the field of welding technology or participate in business courses. Twenty-three apprentices from the plant together with their trainers actively participated in the Training Open Day. All areas, like the plumbing room and the metal workshop, were opened to visitors, with guided tours at set times.
Whether observing the large machinery, talking with our employees, or using the virtual welding simulator, guests were able to experience the essence of our plant firsthand.
The day was a true success, thanks in part to the efforts of the 90 volunteers and the support of local associations and businesses in organizing and running the event. Each of them contributed to giving our visitors an unforgettable day, while at the same time fostering an open, trusting cooperative relationship.
This initiative has undoubtedly helped strengthen the relationship with the entire region, demonstrating our plant's close connection with the community.