Poland’s mining sector is undergoing a profound transformation, but industry leaders see it as a chance rather than a threat. With a unique concentration of mining-related firms and expertise in the European Union, the country can pivot toward new raw materials and export its know-how globally. Key voices point to critical minerals, digitalization, and foreign markets as pillars of the future.
The debate about mining in Poland often focuses on coal, but the real potential lies in the broader extractive industry. According to Marian Zmarzły, Deputy Minister of Energy responsible for mining, the discussion should include both transformation challenges and the competencies built over decades. He emphasized that these assets must be used in a wide range of extractive sectors.
Janusz Olszowski, President of the Mining Chamber of Industry and Commerce, expressed confidence in coal’s medium-term future. He noted that without sufficient energy storage and nuclear power, coal will remain necessary. Building nuclear plants and expanding the grid will take time and massive investments.
A shift toward critical raw materials
Zmarzły pointed out that mining is not only about coal. Growing importance is attached to raw materials used in industry, energy, and new technologies. He highlighted exploration, documentation of new deposits, and recovery from anthropogenic sources. – In the future, I think mining of deficit raw materials with high risk of import disruptions will develop strongly, including rare earth elements – he said.
Alicja Krzemień, President of EURACOAL and professor at the Central Mining Institute, noted that mining in Europe is changing toward resource security, digitalization, and environmental responsibility. She stressed that Polish expertise in underground mining, safety, hazard management, and post-mining land transformation is valuable internationally.
Polish mining know-how for the world
Olszowski argued that Poland is the only EU country still possessing a large potential of companies and institutions serving mining. – Our underground mines are an excellent testing ground for various solutions – he said. As domestic coal extraction shrinks, these firms must enter foreign markets where coal output is growing. Competition, especially from China, is intensifying, but Polish companies can offer deep know-how and experience.
Henryk Stabla, CEO of Carboautomatyka, a company specializing in automation systems, said the mining support sector is constantly evolving. Firms are diversifying into new industrial fields. – Mining is not only coal, it also includes copper, salt, aggregates, and metals. Our machines and devices are dedicated to this broad spectrum – he explained. He added that his company long ago entered non-mining segments.
The upcoming Future Mining Forum & Expo in Katowice, scheduled for September 9-11, 2026, is expected to showcase Polish innovation. Olszowski emphasized that Polish firms can build mining 4.0 or even 5.0. – Digitalization, robotization, use of artificial intelligence – this is not a problem for our companies – he stated. The event will serve as a global reminder of Poland’s capabilities.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Tupungato / Shutterstock
