Uranium Mine exploring the Tunels at 230m

In November 2024, a group of intrepid Polish cave divers begin an extraordinary mission to explore the uncharted depths of the “Podgorze” uranium mine in Kowary.

Building upon their August 2024 expedition, they set out to delve deeper into the mine’s mysterious corridors, some of which hadn’t been traversed in over half a century.

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The November operation focused on three primary objectives: assessing the accessibility of the over 230-meter-deep shaft No. 3, exploring the entrances and levels at depths of -150 meters, -190 meters, and -230 meters, and inspecting the bottom of shaft No. 3. Led by the dedicated team of Tomasz Wciorka, Mariusz Banaszak, and Bartlomiej Pitala, and with the support of Paweł Myśliński and the mine’s owners, the divers were ready to uncover the secrets lying beneath the surface.

Their efforts were not in vain. The team successfully located and cleared the entrance to the -150m level from shaft No. 3, though their exploration was halted by a formidable steel gate. Meanwhile, Bartłomiej Pitala discovered the entrance to the -190m level, only to find it completely blocked with boards. He also reached the entrance to the -230m level, but a tangled climbing rope hanging in the shaft prevented further progress.

Despite these challenges, each diver spent several hours underwater, demonstrating remarkable endurance and teamwork. During the deepest dive, lasting a grueling five hours, Bartek was carefully supported throughout the decompression process by Tomek and Mariusz, with surface assistance from Paweł.

The “Podgórze” uranium mine holds a unique place in history. In the mid-20th century, it was the site of a secret Soviet uranium extraction operation. This clandestine facility was so well-protected that even the CIA’s attempts to infiltrate it proved unsuccessful. After years of operation and the creation of extensive underground tunnels, the mine was eventually closed. Over time, sections below the water table filled with water, transforming the site into a hidden realm accessible only to the most skilled cave divers.

In the early 21st century, diving enthusiasts like Daniel Kowalski, Witek Hoffmann, Filip Dlugosz, and Paweł Myśliński began the painstaking work of clearing debris and preparing the mine for safe exploration. Their efforts paved the way for the exploration of tunnels at various depths, while the mysteries of the deeper levels remained untouched until now.

The diving team extends heartfelt thanks to the TK Diving team from Krakow for their professional support, providing the necessary gases for dives exceeding 200 meters in depth.

A Glimpse into History: The “Podgorze” Uranium Mine Poland 

The “Podgórze” uranium mine in Kowary is steeped in historical significance. Established as a secret Soviet project during the Cold War, the mine played a crucial role in uranium extraction, a resource vital to the era’s nuclear ambitions. Its strategic operations were shrouded in secrecy, guarded against foreign intelligence, and operated under the strictest surveillance. After extracting significant uranium quantities, the mine ceased operations, leaving behind a network of tunnels that eventually filled with water. Today, this submerged labyrinth offers a unique challenge and a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, drawing explorers eager to uncover its long-hidden secrets.