IN THIS ISSUE:
On September 9, 2025, the Ministry of Energy published the long-awaited draft “Mining Act” by the coal industry. This document, an amendment to the Act on the Operation of Hard Coal Mining, is intended to implement the provisions of the so-called social contract regarding the phasing out of Polish mining. On September 11, the draft was approved for further consideration by the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers.
Feverish waiting
The “new” mining law was awaited in an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, which is hardly surprising given the project’s goal of enabling the restructuring of the mining sector, reducing its social costs, and improving the industry’s precarious financial situation.
Mine owners, trade union and social representatives, individual municipalities, and even the Prosecutor General submitted comments on the draft amendment. After lengthy and heated consultations, the bill languished in the government, fueling heated debate and speculation.
“Four years have passed, and we’re still at square one. The law was supposed to be ready a long time ago, but all we hear are promises. This is a waste of time,” Dominik Kolorz, chairman of the Silesian-Dąbrowa “Solidarity” trade union, recently complained.
Union leaders reminded the public that without appropriate regulations, miners have no certainty that the promises they’ve heard will be kept. “A social contract exists, but it’s a virtual one.” Until it’s written into law, it doesn’t protect anyone,” emphasized Jarosław Grzesik of the miners’ “Solidarity” trade union.
An activist from the “Piast-Ziemowit” coal mine pointed out, “People are asking what will happen in a year, two, five. There are no answers. And yet we’re talking about thousands of jobs and entire families.”
The ominous word “strike” appeared more than once in union members’ statements.
Ministry of Energy unveils project
On September 9th, a new version of the document was finally published on the Government Legislation Center website.
In media releases, Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka noted that the act introduces a clear legal framework for implementing the transformation of the Polish mining sector, providing entrepreneurs with the tools to efficiently decommission plants and providing employees with the necessary protection.
“We are introducing solutions that protect the interests of people, the economy, and the state, implementing the provisions of the Social Contract,” Minister Motyka argued.
While the tone of the comments on the amendment is ambiguous, the ministry cannot deny one thing: concrete solutions are finally on the table.
A handful of specifics for the social side
The regulations incorporate most of the provisions introduced in the April version of the bill. They increase the amount of one-time mining severance pay from PLN 120,000 to PLN 170,000, and three years of service will be required to receive it. Importantly, severance pay will not be taxable.
The amended regulations also introduce five years of mining leave for individuals before reaching retirement age (four years are provided for those employed in mechanical coal processing). This leave will amount to 80% of salary, determined according to similar principles as sick leave.
The act also allows for the transfer of employees between mines. Priority for employment in active mines will be given to those previously employed in mines being closed.
The act is expected to cover approximately 45,000 employees. employees of Polska Grupa Górnicza and other companies, and its implementation in the period 2026-2035 is expected to cost over PLN 9 billion, of which PLN 8.3 billion is the cost for the state budget, PLN 183 million for the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, and PLN 595 million in lost revenues of state institutions.
The support will also cover liquidated mining entities.
The changes are intended to enable mining companies to independently close their mines. This will exclude the Mine Restructuring Company from the process. During the closure process, plants will be able to use public funds provided as targeted subsidies.
The amended act allows for the transfer of post-mining real estate and movable assets to public sector entities for public purposes or for the construction, expansion, and maintenance of drainage systems for closed plants.
A new development is the permitting of mining companies to extract methane from hard coal seams. This will not require a license, thus avoiding complex and often tedious administrative processes.
Difficult questions and unresolved problems
While there are many voices of satisfaction or at least partial satisfaction in the industry, there is also plenty of criticism.
Bogusław Ziętek, head of the August 80 trade union, fears a presidential veto, arguing that the bill introduces special privileges for miners.
According to an interviewee with the WNP portal, the greatest danger lies elsewhere:
“One could say: finally, and breathe a sigh of relief, because the bill provides for the introduction of miners’ leave, processing leave, and one-time severance pay, were it not for the fact that it contains a huge error. (…) Miners from mines other than those of companies covered by the support system will not be able to take advantage of the voluntary redundancy package. This means that, for example, miners from Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa will not have this option, even though many of them would like to take advantage of it.
The chairman of August 80 predicts that many JSW employees will face regular layoffs next year, as Article 5 of the bill will block them from accessing these protective benefits.”
Deputy Chairman of the Miners’ Union, Arkadiusz Siekaniec, warned in an interview with Business Insider that a similar fate could befall members of the crews of Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka and Przedsiębiorstwo Górnicze “Silesia.” He also sees employees of mining support companies in this group, especially miners working for private companies that perform underground mining work commissioned by coal companies.
A separate issue is the lack of a “positive” aspect of decarbonization, particularly a boost for the labor market. Vice Chairman Siekaniec laments: “Unfortunately, most projects created under the Just Transition funds do not generate the necessary number of jobs, let alone the quality. The unions are committed to ensuring that future generations of Silesians and residents of other coal regions have a place to find decent employment,” he says.
These and other demands will undoubtedly resurface at the Social Dialogue Council.
Time is worth its weight in gold
The amendment is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2026, and Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka himself is pushing for its swift adoption, drawing attention to the deadlines for repayment of mining companies’ financial liabilities to the Labor Fund and the Guaranteed Employee Benefits Fund. Under current law, these deadlines expire at the end of 2025. The bill extends this deadline until 2027, which in many cases could prove to be a shield against bankruptcy.
Stakeholders have been waiting a long time for the document’s finalization, having been awaiting its finalization since May 2021, when the government signed an agreement with the social partners, outlining the principles for the gradual closure of mines until 2049. The document guarantees miners benefits such as social security, pre-retirement leave, and one-time severance payments. Referring the completed bill to the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers is certainly an important step towards implementing a significant portion of these guarantees, but the finalization, i.e., adoption by the Sejm and signature by the President, will undoubtedly take some time.
Jarosław Adamski
Energy balance is essential, experts say. The blackout in April this year, which affected Spain and Portugal, and also parts of France, was directly linked to a complete transition to renewable energy sources (RES). The truth is more complicated, but basing the energy system solely on RES without adequate energy storage and infrastructure preparation is problematic. It also implies costs worth bearing in mind.
According to experts, the immediate cause of the crisis was the sudden shutdown of several energy sources in the Granada region. The power loss reached approximately 2.2 GW. This caused rapid frequency fluctuations in the system and led to the disconnection of Spain and Portugal from the French transmission grid. As a result, the Iberian Peninsula was isolated from the rest of Europe for several hours and was unable to maintain balance.
The country descended into chaos. Gas stations were unavailable because payment was impossible, even if customers had cash. The entire system relies on devices that constantly require electricity. Airports, schools, and hospitals were shut down. Rail transport was disrupted.
Experts emphasize that grid security systems failed, and conventional power plants – primarily gas-fired – were unable to respond quickly enough to stabilize the situation. They were unable to do so because, year after year, they are increasingly marginalized in the energy mix, not only in Spain.
Experts also point to similar threats in Poland.
“In terms of energy security, we are on a slippery slope. If we continue to lack a coherent energy policy, we can also expect a similar blackout in Poland,” emphasizes Janusz Olszowski, President of the Mining Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As a reminder, this all happened when Spain relied almost entirely on renewable energy sources.
It also turned out that a system with a high share of renewable energy can operate stably as long as it has adequate energy storage, reserves, and balancing mechanisms. The lack of such solutions means that any major technical failure carries the risk of serious disruptions.
However, the energy storage facilities in question still have too limited a capacity to store energy when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, and to release it when neither wind nor sun is present. This is not enough.
After the April outage, both countries announced programs to strengthen their power systems. Portugal announced investments of €400 million in the development of 750 MW of energy storage and modern grid management systems. Spain adopted temporary regulations to increase control over the operator’s operations and crisis procedures.
This is a clear signal that the future of energy no longer hinges on the question “are renewable energy sources stable?” but rather “are transmission grids ready for the era of renewables?”
The question of costs also arises. It turns out that cheap energy from renewable sources isn’t so cheap after all. And it still requires subsidies from governments.
The blackouts in Spain and Portugal are a warning not only for the Iberian Peninsula but also for the entire European Union. In Poland, Germany, and France, the growing share of renewable energy poses similar challenges to the system. Larger energy storage facilities, flexible backup sources, digital control systems, and better international cooperation are needed.
It should be noted that Janusz Olszowski, President of the General Inspectorate of Energy and the Power Industry (GIPH), among others, appealed to the President on this matter. In his statement, he argued that “(…) in the face of recent blackouts and the uncertainty surrounding the summer season, protecting citizens and ensuring a stable energy supply must be the state’s absolute priority.” In times of dynamic decarbonization and energy transformation, we appeal for responsibility and common sense – transformation cannot come at the expense of energy and social security.
Therefore, experts believe that nuclear, coal, and gas must not be forgotten in the energy mix. And until Poland has a nuclear power plant, removing coal from the energy mix could pose a threat to our energy security and our entire economy.
Jarosław Adamski
Northern England – once an industrial powerhouse, now a laboratory for transformation. It was here that a delegation of representatives from the Regional Observatory for Transformation Processes 2.0 (ROPT 2.0) project undertook a study visit in July of this year to take a closer look at how former mining regions are coping with the legacy of mining. Silesia and County Durham are separated by over 1,500 kilometers, but they share a similar history. For decades, both regions developed in the shadow of mine shafts, and both are now facing economic and social challenges following the closure of mines.
The first meetings with British partners had a symbolic dimension – discussions were held in historic union buildings and research institutes that were once the center of industrial life. On July 10, 2025, workshops were held at the Northern England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers in Newcastle upon Tyne. Ross Forbes, former Redhills Program Director, along with Professor John Tomaney of University College London and Professor Andy Pike of Newcastle University, recalled the dramatic rise and fall of the Northern English coalfield, highlighting the difficult path from industrial monoculture to a new, sustainable economy. During the discussion, participants exchanged views on the current situation in the Silesian Voivodeship and the progress of the transformation process in Silesia.
In Newcastle, participants also visited the Gateshead Minewater Heat and Energy Centre and Baltic Solar Farm. This district heating network uses heat extracted from minewater from the closed Gateshead mine. It is the largest minewater-based network in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. It currently provides safe, low-emission heating for 350 homes and several public buildings (including Gateshead College and office buildings). Plans are already underway to expand the network to include a further 270 private homes, a new conference centre, and a hotel complex. The Gateshead Minewater project is an example of a successful public-private partnership involving government bodies, local authorities, and representatives of the energy industry.
On July 11, 2025, all study visit participants participated in an open roundtable organized by the European organization IndustriAll Europe. Discussions focused on social issues and a just transition. The exchange of international experiences focused on the current realities of communities in coal and industrial regions during the transition period. IndustriAll Europe is a federation of European trade unions representing workers in the energy, mining, metals, chemicals, textiles, clothing, and footwear sectors, and related industries. It represents a total of 7 million employees, united in 200 national trade unions in 39 European countries. The meeting also discussed the challenges facing Silesia and Europe related to the use of brownfields. A meeting with Andy Locke from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust demonstrated the importance of supporting local communities in developing new competencies and utilizing their identified potential. The Northern England region, historically heavily dependent on mining and coal, continues to undergo profound economic transformation and grapples with numerous challenges related to employment, culture, and local identity. Discussions between ROPT 2.0 project representatives and international experts frequently touched on the similarities between the English transformation processes and those currently underway in the Silesian Voivodeship.
The meetings also highlighted the importance of the unique needs and culture of mining regions. Therefore, the study visit to Northern England concluded with participation in the Durham Miners’ Gala. The Durham Miners’ Gala is an annual event celebrated in the city since 1871, taking place on the second Saturday in July. One of the largest and most colorful events in the world, it is organized by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), a trade union founded in the United Kingdom in 1869. The Gala commemorates the rich coal mining heritage of County Durham, which is strongly linked to the local trade unions. At its peak, when English mines were still operating in the 1950s and 1960s, over 300,000 people attended the gala. Today, it typically attracts around 200,000 people. For the Polish participants, it was a lesson in how history and culture can become the foundation for building a new regional identity in times of change. The Gala’s main feature is a parade of miners’ banners and bands, which winds through the city. In front of the County Hotel, bands pause to perform for dignitaries watching from a balcony. The march culminates in a picnic on the old racecourse, where the Gala’s activist roots echo in the political speeches. Another important element is a miners’ service at Durham Cathedral, during which the new banners are dedicated. Each banner is hand-painted on silk and costs approximately £10,000 (funded by the entire community).
But the Gala is more than just a banner parade. It’s a moving story about communities and memory. Generations of former miners, young people, children, and families march together—people united by a sense of connection and identity. It’s also more than a union rally—it’s a grand picnic and a gathering of friends, with young people carrying banners once held by representatives of previous generations. “Marras” play a significant role in maintaining this tradition. This term is a local nickname for friends or supporters of the Gala. It comes from the local dialect of County Durham, where “marra” literally means “buddy” and refers to people who are not associated with mining but support the event and help organize it.
The study visit to England was one of five planned visits as part of the ROPT 2.0 project, co-financed by the European Union through the Just Transition Fund. Its goal was not only to observe foreign experiences but also to build an international network of cooperation that will allow coal regions to jointly seek answers to the challenges of the future. Because transformation is not just about changing technology or the economy. It is, above all, a social process in which the most important are people, their work, traditions, and the sense that they still have a place in the new reality.
Sylwia Jarosławska-Sobór
Professor, I can’t help but begin this interview with a question that your predecessors, Professor Monika Hardy-Góra and President Ewa Piotrowska-Małek, also asked at the beginning of our conversations. How did fate lead you to a career in an industry so heavily masculinized and—according to popular belief—with little to offer women?
I grew up in a home where the topic of mining was ubiquitous. My parents are both mining graduates from the Silesian University of Technology, though only my father remained faithful to his chosen field, and for years, as a researcher, he developed topics related to the prevention of natural hazards in mining. Driven by a passion for natural sciences and a fascination with the role of humans in the workplace—which was likely instilled in me at home—I chose mining studies, specializing in Occupational Health and Safety Technology and Organization. The choice wasn’t easy, but in retrospect, thanks to the support of mentors and the interesting challenges I faced, I managed to find my place—both at the Central Mining Institute—National Research Institute and internationally. I enjoy my work and am pleased that the research I’m developing is yielding tangible benefits during such a difficult period of transformation in the mining sector.
We’ll return to topics related to coal and the sector’s transformation in a moment, but first I’d like to ask about women in mining and industry – in Poland and Europe. Since June 17th of last year, you’ve served as President of the European Association for Coal and Lignite (Euracoal), and for some time now, you’ve also been involved in the work of important organizations and institutions dealing with mining (such as the Coal Advisory Group of the European Commission and the International Organizing Committee of the World Mining Congress). Our mining sector still seems to be somewhat dominated by men. This is evident in the management positions of industry companies, the narratives of trade unions, and even the gender of journalists writing about mining and mining-related issues. Is the percentage of women higher in the West (I’m referring to countries belonging to the so-called “old” EU) than in Poland, and do they enjoy greater trust?
I see my election as President of EURACOAL as a major commitment and motivation to continue building European dialogue, promoting innovation, and working towards a sustainable transformation of the industry. The election of the first woman to this position is, for me, a symbol of change, an expression of great confidence in the mining industry, but also a sign that mining is opening up to female leaders, and that women are increasingly playing key roles in international organizations within the sector. In the “old” EU countries, the participation of women in the mining industry is higher than in Poland, but still far from parity. My experience shows that in the West, women are not only more likely to hold management positions but also enjoy greater trust in innovation and project management. Poland is heading in this direction, but change is a process that requires consistency and support at both the political and societal levels. Today, women are expected not only to be professional but also to be resilient to the pressures that are intense in this industry.
A higher percentage of women are present in scientific and research institutes specializing in mining sciences, energy, and the recently trending field of industrial automation. This seems like a good time to talk about science, and mining sciences in particular. As a professor at the Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute (GIG-PIB) in Katowice and a visiting professor at the University of Oviedo, you are actively involved in scientific life. Does mining science have a future in the context of accelerating decarbonization?
Responsible transformation of the mining industry is impossible without science. Our field is changing dynamically – digitalization, automation, post-mining land reclamation, and hydrogen production using post-mining infrastructure are just some of today’s research priorities. Mining science is adapting to new realities and focusing on supporting decarbonization – this is a huge challenge, but also an opportunity for innovation.
Oviedo, as you mentioned, is the capital of the former mining region of Asturias in northern Spain. I am pleased that for years, together with the University of Oviedo, we have been implementing research projects supporting this transformation. This is an excellent platform for exchanging experiences between two mining regions in transition (i.e., Asturias in Spain and Silesia in Poland), which are at different stages. It’s worth learning from others’ mistakes, but also implementing actions that have previously yielded positive results. After all, most of the challenges currently facing the Polish economy (and Silesia as a mining region) have already been addressed by other European countries.
There’s been a lot happening lately in the disciplines around which your scientific interests focus, alongside mining, are environmental engineering and energy. What issues are currently absorbing your scientific attention?
I’m currently focusing on mine closure models, post-mining land development, and the economic aspects of implementing new business models based on decommissioned mines. Environmental risks related to the energy transition and the implementation of renewable energy sources in mining regions are also important topics. Effective use of post-industrial infrastructure for green energy projects is crucial for me. I’ll mention projects such as REM (reducing methane emissions), MINE-TO-H2 (reusing mines to produce green hydrogen for the transport and heating sectors based on a circular economy), and CRMsDataSpace (a data space on critical raw materials, identifying the potential for recovery from closed mine waste disposal facilities). Currently, however, my most important project is the GreenJOBS project, which is nearing completion and focuses on leveraging the competitive advantage of decommissioned mines to maximize the creation of high-quality “green” jobs. This project is intended to serve as a compendium of knowledge for mines undergoing closure on new business models based on renewable energy sources and the principles of a circular economy. Our research target is the Bobrek hard coal mine, which is scheduled for closure. This mine presents opportunities for implementing a new business model. However, this will require a new Coal Act to enable such actions.
How do you assess the state of research conducted in Poland compared to that conducted in the US, UK, Germany, and China – countries that dominate the contemporary scientific map of the world? Have we closed the gap with the mythical West, which the previous regime left us with?
In recent years, Polish science has been developing dynamically, particularly in the fields of energy and environmental engineering. We are increasingly visible in international research consortia, as evidenced by projects such as EPOS and the international initiatives of GIG-PIB. There is still a perceived shortage of funding and research infrastructure, but scientific equality is increasingly achievable.
The quality of research and the number of industrial implementations have also improved noticeably. The international activity of Polish research teams is growing rapidly. GIG-PIB is an excellent example of an institute that not only conducts research but also implements innovations in the mining, energy, and environmental sectors, collaborating with businesses and local governments.
In your opinion, how are the relationships between science and business shaping up today? Are they still two separate spheres, or have interactions between them become more intense recently? Where are inventions and new technologies being born today?
Currently, most innovations arise at the intersection of science and business. Collaboration between research institutes and businesses is steadily strengthening, with joint research centers, pilot programs, and technology transfer platforms being established. Examples include implementation grants and public-private partnerships, which are giving scientific endeavors practical significance. It’s worth mentioning international research projects involving Polish mining companies, such as REM, GI-MINE, and RECOVERY. All are co-financed by EU funds and supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
The first project (REM) is currently underway at JSW S.A., and its primary goal is to reduce methane emissions and build the world’s first innovative installation for methane drainage and extraction from mine goaf. This methane will then be used to generate electricity, thereby reducing atmospheric emissions. This project is a response to the European Methane Regulation (EU Regulation 2024/1787), effective from August 4, 2024, aimed at reducing methane emissions from the energy sector, including coal, oil, and natural gas. It imposes obligations on operators to measure, detect, and repair methane leaks, as well as to regularly report these activities to independent verifiers. The regulation also introduces a ban on the release of methane into the atmosphere and its combustion, as well as gradually decreasing emission thresholds for coal mines.
Another project (GI-MINE), implemented in collaboration with PGG, aims to develop solutions, technologies, and guidelines for optimizing waste management in mining companies – in line with the principle of a circular economy. This project also addresses methane issues, identifying solutions for the capture and utilization of mine methane and surplus thermal energy for environmental and economic purposes.
Finally, the third project (RECOVERY), successfully implemented in partnership with PKW S.A., involved experimental development of soil substitutes using combustion and mining byproducts generated in mines and power plants. The goal was to restore the natural, recreational, and economic value of spoil heaps and other post-mining areas by initiating diverse plant habitats and implementing large-scale biological reclamation. The project developed an innovative ecosystem services valuation model, supporting optimal planning for the reclamation and development of post-mining areas. The results of the pilot project can still be seen at the Mining Waste Disposal Facility (OUOW) in Libiąż.
All of these initiatives, directly or indirectly, are linked to the ongoing transformation of the fuel and energy sector, which aims to transition to a so-called green economy. This process, as we often hear, requires the abandonment of energy sources that do not meet high environmental standards, including coal. You are a member of the UN Task Force on the Safe Operation and Closure of Hard Coal Mines at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva. Do you believe that coal’s days are truly numbered?
In Europe, the fate of coal is largely sealed – the Green Deal and the EU’s climate commitments determine the pace of the transition towards renewable energy. However, on a global scale, coal still plays an extremely important role; in 2024, coal consumption in China reached a record level of over 4.9 billion tons, intensive mining growth in India continues, and in the US, the topic of coal is returning in the context of energy security. So what is the future of coal in Poland? I believe it should remain in our national energy mix, but the mining industry itself must undergo a phase of profound change…
Returning to the task force you mentioned: sharing knowledge and experiences is crucial in the transformation of the mining sector – not only in Europe but also on other continents where the process of mine closure is just beginning or is taking place under different economic and social conditions. This is precisely why the aforementioned task force was established within the UNECE: to gather practices, analyze the impacts, and support mining regions in transitioning smoothly, safely, and fairly through the mine closure phase. Sharing experiences between Europe, Asia, America, and Africa allows us to better prepare for the challenges of transformation and develop recommendations that minimize risks for both people and the environment. Depending on how we manage it, transformation can have various consequences, including both negative and positive outcomes. Therefore, dialogue and information exchange within a broader international community can prove valuable.
Some lament that the transformation is a scenario written in and for Europe, prioritizing environmental issues over economic development and energy security, which, given the unfavorable international economic climate, could backfire. Shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump announced he would increase coal production, believing it alone will meet the growing energy demand in the US. Is this ignorance, demagogy, or perhaps there is some business or geopolitical logic behind this?
This is primarily an economic and political logic. Coal provides stability to the energy system, especially in developing countries or those fearing a lack of alternatives to rapid technological change. I believe that coal will be a balancing fuel for Poland during this period of transformation. Global trends cannot be ignored – a growing number of countries and investors are opting for renewable energy, although the transformation everywhere is proceeding at its own pace, dictated by local conditions and interests. Unfortunately, in a system based solely on renewable sources, the specter of blackouts—complete and long-lasting power outages—is high…
Exactly. Coal defenders argue that it guarantees the stability of the energy system, and that renewable energy sources (RES) cannot cope with extreme weather conditions. This sometimes leads to the conclusion that coal should remain in the economy to serve as an alternative fuel, available in times of crisis. Diversification means – you might hear – energy security…
In times of uncertainty, diversifying the energy portfolio seems justified. Renewable energy sources are not yet fully ready to take over the entire system load during extreme weather conditions, mainly due to a lack of sufficient energy storage capacity. Coal should therefore act as a balancing fuel for the national system and be a strategic resource in the event of a crisis. Energy security is an argument for many countries to keep the door open to traditional raw materials.
Many of the criticisms raised by critics of the European Green Deal concern the pace of the energy transition, which was allegedly pushed too quickly and without adequate preparation. Examples include subsidies for photovoltaic micro-installations, the oversupply of which has caused technical problems with the grid and infrastructure. In Poland, energy companies are increasingly refusing to connect new installations to the grid. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about a recycling fee, which some photovoltaic panel users will be required to pay in the form of a subscription fee. When they chose this form of energy supply, no one spoke openly about the environmental and economic costs of PV cell disposal. In short: don’t you think the transition is happening too quickly?
The transformation is indeed proceeding very dynamically, sometimes too quickly for the technical, regulatory, and infrastructure capabilities. On the other hand, it’s a complex process that’s difficult to complete without the appropriate pace. Our German colleagues have been transforming for several decades now, and many challenges still lie ahead…
Regarding the recycling fee you mentioned, it could reach as much as PLN 10-30 per panel, or approximately PLN 1,500 per ton, significantly impacting investor calculations. Better planning, consultation with the industry, and public education are necessary to ensure that these changes are sustainable and socially acceptable.
I also have to ask about our own backyard. In Europe, Poland is the last Mohican of the coal world. A question I often hear in the capital or other regions of the country, but which we here in Silesia usually don’t like to ask ourselves, is: aren’t the costs of maintaining coal mining too high compared to the profits—both economic and otherwise—it generates?
Coal in Poland still plays a vital role economically, strategically, and socially, but it is gradually losing its importance amid the development of renewable energy sources and the requirements of EU climate policy. It can be considered a strategic reserve for times of crisis, but from an economic perspective, its extraction in the current legal and political environment indeed generates enormous costs. The mining sector requires thorough restructuring and transformation, and then the balance of profits and losses may prove more favorable.
What is missing or what can help in implementing this kind of transformation?
I hope that a detailed transformation roadmap will be developed, clearly identifying all areas requiring modification, which will streamline operations and enable a fair and sustainable transition to new technologies and economic models.
It is certainly helpful to analyze and draw lessons from the experiences of other countries and mining regions regarding methods of mine closure, the revitalization of post-mining areas, the development of post-mining assets, and the adaptation of companies and employees to new economic realities. If we learn this lesson, the specter of transformation will no longer frighten us, and it will be easier to seize the opportunities it opens before us.
Thank you for the interview.
