To commemorate the occasion, former employees of the mine met on 15 November 2025 for their traditional retirees’ reunion. As is customary, the gathering began with the miners’ anthem, followed by a documentary film about Dolina Mine and the last tonne of coal extracted. Many of those present recognised themselves in the film — and that was precisely what the meeting was about: memories. Memories of former colleagues who are no longer with us, and of work that was demanding, yet exceptional.
In their speeches, former directors Ing. Branislav Mojžiš and Juraj Jandl shared their recollections of the mine and thanked their colleagues for their work. Mr Jandl presented a symbolic cheque for €1,500 to the Chairman of the Dolina Mine Miners’ Trade Union, Mr Stanislav Petrůj, covering most of the costs of organising the reunion. As the last operator of the mine, Energy Group also regularly contributes to the upkeep of the Dolina Mine memorial — a reconstructed roadheader machine — as well as to the operation of the memorial room.
The Mayor of Veľký Krtíš, Mr Dalibor Surkoš, also attended the event and addressed the former miners, describing the impact Dolina Mine had on the development of the town.
Another former director of Dolina Mine, Ing. Igor Cífer, congratulated those celebrating personal milestones and presented them with flowers. The cultural programme was performed by children from the dance department of the local School of Arts. After a ceremonial late lunch, Ms Mária Hroncová addressed the former miners and introduced her book They Will Never Knock at Dolina Mine Again. Each participant received a signed copy as a keepsake.
The gathering concluded with a promise to meet again next year.
Zdar Boh!
