### ORLEN Unipetrol’s Litvínov Refinery: Petrochemical Operations Remain Offline Amid Unprecedented Challenges
On August 21, 2024, during excavation work at ORLEN Unipetrol’s Chempark Záluží petrochemical complex in Litvínov, Czech Republic, an unexploded aerial World War II bomb was unearthed. Weighing 230 kg and containing approximately 100 kg of explosives, this historic bomb posed a significant threat to the safety of operations and the surrounding community due to its long-term chemical time igniter, which used acetone for delayed detonation.
In response to this extraordinary situation, ORLEN Unipetrol immediately initiated a safe shutdown of all production and energy units at the Litvínov refinery. This measure ensured the protection of personnel and the public from potential harm. The company proceeded with a complex neutralization process, collaborating closely with the Czech Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and other components of the Integrated Rescue System. The neutralization process lasted ten days, requiring extensive safety measures and infrastructure closures.
After the successful control of the bomb on August 30, 2024, the investigation teams conducted thorough inspections of the pyrotechnics explosion site. ORLEN Unipetrol followed suit with an internal inspection of the entire area, checking the condition of all production units and infrastructure. Given the extent of disruptions caused by the bomb’s discovery, a detailed assessment was necessary to ensure the safe resumption of operations.
On September 10, 2024, ORLEN Unipetrol announced the lifting of its force majeure declaration, which was initially issued due to the unforeseen event. Production at Chempark Záluží had resumed earlier the same day, and operations at the Litvínov refinery were restored following relentless site safety inspections by the Czech Republic police, fire rescue services, and internal teams.
Despite the operational restart, the