The vision of turning a closed hard-coal mine into a space technology centre is no longer just a futuristic idea. On 3 August, Finance Minister Andrzej Domański announced in Katowice that a local-government special-purpose company will be created to prepare a feasibility study for such a project on the site of the liquidated Wujek mine.
The planned company will be established by Katowice, the Silesian Voivodeship and the GZM Metropolis. According to Silesian Marshal Wojciech Saługa, the concept fits a broader global shift towards space exploration and gives the region a chance to use its mining heritage in a new way.
Underground laboratories for future space bases
Saługa argues that the world is moving towards space and that lunar bases or Martian settlement are becoming practical goals. He points out that the first bases will likely be built underground, which makes former mines a natural testing environment for such missions.
– The world is heading into space. We talk about bases on the Moon and future settlement on Mars. These are no longer just stories, but real actions. The first bases will be built underground, and mines can be an ideal place to test such solutions – said Saługa in an interview with WNP.
According to the marshal, the project already has supporters among scientists, local officials and entrepreneurs. He also stresses that private companies are the decisive factor. The whole undertaking makes sense only if business sees demand and is ready to use the facility, he says.
– In the end, an analysis must show whether it makes sense, whether there will be demand and whether private business will want to use it. Only later must the project be financially closed – said Saługa.
– I attend meetings with many influential people who may decide about this. I have not heard a single 'no’ yet – he added.
Business decides, Silesia provides the base
The Silesian region can offer existing mining infrastructure, so there is no need to build new facilities from scratch. Underground conditions resemble those on the Moon or Mars in several ways: there is no GPS, no internet and it is dark, which makes it a perfect place for testing autonomous robots, electronic systems, drones, water recovery, oxygen production and plant cultivation.
– This is not a project just to sit and dream. Devices, electronics, drones and solutions that allow people to function underground must be tested. If we ever build bases on Mars, water, oxygen and food will have to be produced. In a mine we have a ready ecosystem for such research. There is no GPS, no internet, and it is dark. It is an ideal place to test autonomous devices and systems that will have to operate on their own – said Saługa.
Speed is also important, because similar projects are being discussed in other countries. Saługa believes the main question now is whether Silesia can move faster than its competitors.
– Right now the most important thing is whether we make it before others. Such talks are also held in other parts of the world – he stressed.
Saługa sees the local government mainly as a provider of infrastructure, roads, rail, logistics and energy. In his view, private business is better at identifying new market niches, and today it is choosing space. The project is part of a wider economic transformation of the region, but the administration will not decide the direction of corporate development.
The new investment will also be one of the topics of the report „Silesia of the Future. New development directions. Industry, technology, energy, competences, investments”, which will premiere during the Future Mining Forum & Expo on 9-11 September 2026 in Katowice. Talks with business, local government and science leaders are available in the special service „Silesia of the Future”.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. WNP.PL
