- Industry Skills Center ORE MINING 4.0
Design news
The seminar “Innovative and Sustainable Mining Industry – Technological, Energy, and Ecological (Environmental) Transformation in the Metal Ore Mining Industry” was held on November 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Branżowe Centrum Umiejętności Górnictwa Rud 4.0, ul. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 172A (Copper Training Center for Personnel Training) in Lubin. The meeting was held in a hybrid format.
The meeting was attended by 80 people in person and over 150 people via Zoom, as well as via live streaming on a dedicated YouTube channel.
The Copper Ore Mining Industry Skills Center is a key element in supporting innovation, sustainable development, and the professionalization of personnel in the sector. Its operation benefits both the industry and local communities, the environment, and the national economy, making Polish mining more competitive and responsible.
The meeting aimed to provide knowledge about modern metal ore mining and its development directions, including information on new technologies being introduced in mining, as well as to present concepts that will enable sustainable production while gaining public trust in clean and safe extraction and processing methods.
The seminar covered topics related to:
- tools and solutions in the field of sustainable development and ecology in underground mining, processing of metal ores and mineral raw materials,
- groundbreaking concepts and solutions for sustainable exploration, extraction or processing (circular economy, ESG, ESRS, environmental responsibility),
- mining of the future – directions of research and development work and implementation of innovative solutions in mining and metal ore processing,
- technological progress that increases the efficient use of materials and resources and leads to waste reduction and recycling, in line with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan
- smart mining(modern, intelligent, low-emission and autonomous technologies for sustainable and ecological mining of the future – EKSE CCMI/176 document: Digital mining in Europe: new solutions for sustainable raw material production).
Technological, energy, and ecological transformation in the metal ore mining industry brings numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency and occupational safety, reduced operating costs, improved environmental performance, and reduced negative impact on local ecosystems. Investments in modern technologies and renewable energy sources contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, ecological, and profitable model for this sector.
Seminar speakers:
Ryszard Biernacki, General Director for Energy Transformation at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
Energy transformation:
The use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar and wind) in mining operations reduces the sector’s carbon footprint.
The use of more efficient energy systems, such as microgrids and energy storage technologies, reduces operating costs.
Investments in energy-efficient mining equipment and machinery minimize energy consumption.
He spoke about innovative energy projects, such as increasing energy efficiency and implementing ISO 50001 standards, as well as strategic actions based on efficiency, flexibility, ecology and e-industry.
Monika Poważna, Director of the Environmental Policy Department at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
Ecological (environmental) transformation:
The reclamation of post-mining areas improves the natural environment and increases its biodiversity.
The use of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water and soil pollution limits the negative impact of mining activities on ecosystems.
Sustainable water resource management in mining processes protects local ecosystems from degradation.
She has extensive experience in environmental management and specializes in optimizing processes related to water management and ecosystem protection.
As part of her work at KGHM, Monika Poważna is responsible for implementing innovative strategies for sustainable development, including initiatives related to the circular economy, and achieving the company’s environmental policy goals.
Dr. Eng. Jarosław Wajs, Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Development of measurement technologies for the sustainable use of raw materials based on the experience of the Faculty of GGG PWr – selected aspects of the use of LiDAR point clouds in smart mining.
Technological transformation:
The introduction of modern mining technologies increases the efficiency of the mining process, reducing raw material losses.
Industrial automation and digitalization enable more precise monitoring and optimization of mining processes.
The development of metal ore recycling technologies reduces the need for primary mining and lowers environmental pressures.
Dr. Wajs is involved in the use of LIDAR in geoengineering and mining projects, including monitoring terrain deformation, assessing slope stability, and mapping infrastructure. His work is crucial to the development of 3D imaging techniques in the context of mining and environmental protection, particularly in processes related to risk management and spatial planning. Through his work, he contributes to the development of methods for monitoring mining areas, which supports both operational processes and actions aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of mining.
Monika Strojek, KGHM Metraco S.A.
KGHM METRACO, part of the KGHM Polska Miedź Group, specializes in the management of products generated during the operations of mines and smelters, as well as copper recovery. In the area of the circular economy (CE), the company undertakes various initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and optimizing resource utilization, including recycling of secondary raw materials, effective waste management, sustainable development, and investments in modern technologies.
Dr. hab. Joanna Kulczycka, prof. AGH
Vice-Dean for Cooperation and Development at the Faculty of Management at AGH and Head of the Circular Economy Department at the Mineral Resources and Energy Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Agnieszka Nowaczek, Mineral Resources and Energy Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Her primary research area is the circular economy, including the sustainable management of mineral and energy resources. Her research focuses on developing strategies for the efficient use and recycling of raw materials in industry.
Her work also includes supporting innovation in industrial waste management and developing technologies that enable better use of natural resources in line with the principles of sustainable development. She conducts research related to energy policies and raw materials markets, aiming to increase energy efficiency and reduce the negative impact of industry on the environment.
Jolanta Okońska – Kubica, Managing Director of ENVIPOL, Chairwoman of the Working Group of the Ministry of Development and Technology for KIS 7. Circular economy – water, fossil raw materials, waste
Managing Director at ENVIPOL. She specializes in supporting companies and organizations in the area of sustainable development (analyses, strategies, reports, training, etc.). She is an expert in sustainable development, circular economy, and waste management.
Jolanta Okońska-Kubica is a recognized specialist in sustainable development and ESG, with a particular focus on the circular economy (CE). As Managing Director at ENVIPOL and Chair of the Working Group of the Ministry of Development and Technology for KIS 7, she focuses on supporting companies in the areas of water, fossil fuels, and waste. She has extensive experience in developing sustainable development strategies and implementing projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints, optimizing resource consumption, and implementing innovative solutions in companies. Her work focuses on helping businesses adapt to new regulatory requirements related to ESG and the circular economy, as well as carbon footprint reporting processes, which is becoming a key area in response to regulations such as the CSRD.
Okońska-Kubica emphasizes that transitioning towards sustainable development not only supports environmental protection but also brings long-term economic benefits by optimizing energy, water, and waste costs.
Benefits of the transition: Economic, Environmental, Social
Advantages of transformation:
Long-term sustainability:
The transformation supports the long-term operation of the mining industry in line with global climate goals.
Adjustment to regulation:
Investments in ecological and energy-saving technologies help meet increasingly stringent legal requirements.
Image improvement:
Companies that focus on sustainable development build a positive image and gain greater trust from customers and investors.
Innovation and technological development:
Accelerating innovation in the mining sector is stimulating the development of new technologies that can be applied in other industries.
In summary, the technological, energy and ecological transformation in the metal ore mining industry is not only a challenge, but above all an opportunity to create a more efficient, competitive and sustainable sector that will respond to global environmental and energy needs.
- Sustainable mining is the path to:
- Minimizing environmental impact and improving social relations.
- Development of a circular economy.
- Increased competitiveness of the mining sector in the global market thanks to innovative technologies.
Industry Skills Center – Ore Mining 4.0. Project: “Establishment and support for the operation of the Industry Skills Center implementing the concept of a center of vocational excellence (CoVEs) for underground mining, metal ore processing, and mineral raw materials.” Project co-financed by the European Union: PLN 10,998,415.54
