State-owned mining company Hornonitrianske Bane in Prievidza is diversifying its activities by trying to utilise its excess heat. The company is hoping to produce up to 750 tons of tomatoes a year using heat produced at the mine and from water used in the mines to heat greenhouses.
It plans to have its first harvest at the end of February next year and will be able to produce all year using its recycled heat.
The initial costs to set up the tomato producing operation come to approximately EUR 3.4 million, which the mining company hopes to put together from its own finances and from loans. The ROI of the project is seven years.