annual report 2004 - Severočeské doly a.s.

10
——
11
Interview with the Chairman of the Board
Which events had a significant effect on the activities of Severočeské doly in 2004?
Mining sites where we use advanced mining technology presented us with a whole range of new situations
during the year. We have had to cope with breakdowns in mechanical equipment that have been of varying
sizes and complexity, and nature tested our ability to handle mining anomalies. Fortunately we managed
to avoid incidents that could have had a fundamental impact on the company’s economic situation.
How is the management satisfied with the results achieved by the company and what did
you personally take most pleasure in?
A company’s reputation hinges on its earnings. Our company has earned its place in the sun thanks
to the solid results it has posted over the past ten years. I am particularly pleased by the fact that these
quality financial results have been achieved without record coal output.
How do you view the position of Severočeské doly in the context of the Czech Republic’s accession
to the EU last year?
Severočeské doly has been involved in various professional initiatives in Europe for many years
now through the foreign section of the Mining and Oil Refining Industry Employers Union. Longterm
cooperation, particularly in the fields of legislation and the environment, is well worth it.
What does Severočeské doly mean for the region and what role does the region play in your
corporate strategy?
Cooperation with the region began as soon as the company was founded in 1994. This sort of cooperation
is an integral part of our business plans and is just as important as production. Specifically, this means
relations with towns and villages on the edges of our mining sites or the social and civic institutions
in the areas of Chomutovsko and Teplicko. The primary aims are to provide financial assistance
and have a positive influence on society.
In your opinion, is Severočeské doly a socially responsible corporation? How is this social
responsibility manifested?
The very fact that Severočeské doly is at the start of the economic chain places it in the category
of socially responsible companies. Opencast mining is unthinkable without primary, and often very
extensive, defacement of the landscape. These operations have been carried out to the benefit of the whole
of society for several decades. We round off the process by regenerating the natural environment.
We view our efforts to revitalize the landscape as a public issue.
What does the management of Severočeské doly want to achieve in 2005? What economic and
business goals does it have?
This year we expect to discuss the region’s land-use plan and energy policy. These talks will have a bearing
on the company’s mining strategy for decades to come. The business and economic goals are linked to the programme
drawn up by our largest customer, ČEZ, to retrofit its power plants. This year, we will also complete
the assembly of a new large-scale excavator, which will be put into service at the Libouš North site.
Severočeské doly is one of the largest employers in the region. How do you rate the contribution
of your employees and what do you expect of them in 2005?
The company’s success depends on the professional potential of employees, the corporate culture, and
healthy patriotism. Severočeské doly a.s. and its subsidiaries can draw on such a team of several
thousand employees. Therefore I expect each of them to perform to a quality, professional standard.
Vratislav Vajnar
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer