Poland’s mining sector is undergoing a profound transformation, but instead of being a threat, these changes create a strategic opportunity for the country. According to Marian Zmarzły, deputy minister of energy responsible for mining, the future lies in mining deficit raw materials with high risk of import disruptions, including rare earth elements. At the same time, Janusz Olszowski, president of the Mining Industry and Trade Chamber, emphasises that Poland remains the only EU country with a large potential of companies and institutions serving mining – a potential that must be used wisely.
Olszowski argues that coal will stay relevant in Poland and Europe for the medium term. He points out that building sufficient energy storage and nuclear power plants in a short time is unrealistic. Even after nuclear units are built, huge investments in transmission networks will be needed to move electricity from the north to the south. Therefore, regardless of attitudes towards coal, Poland will need it for years.
However, Polish mining is shrinking year by year. Coal output is set to fall. That is why, as Olszowski stresses, companies from the mining environment and research institutions must enter foreign markets to survive. He mentions markets where coal mining and coal-based energy are still expanding. During the Future Mining Forum & Expo in Katowice (9-11 September 2026), Polish firms will have a chance to remind the world of their capabilities.
Polish mining’s potential for international expansion
– Our companies producing mining equipment and services are known worldwide. But competition is growing, especially from China where production costs are much lower – said Janusz Olszowski. – However, we can show the world that we have the know-how and experience. We can build mining 4.0 or even 5.0. Digitisation, robotisation, artificial intelligence – these are not a problem for our firms – he added.
Henryk Stabla, president of Carboautomatyka, notes that the mining-related sector is constantly evolving. Companies are diversifying their activities and entering new industrial branches. – The coal mining branch is shrinking. Years ago we decided to move into non-mining market segments. Moreover, mining is not only coal, but also copper, salt, aggregates and metals. Our machines and devices are dedicated to this broad spectrum – Stabla said.
The future lies in critical raw materials and innovation
Marian Zmarzły stresses that the concept of mining must be perceived more broadly than just coal. – The future of Polish mining may be diversified. The hard coal sector remains in a transformation process conducted with regard to energy, social and regional security. At the same time, the importance of non-coal mining – raw materials used in industry, energy and new technologies – is growing – he said.
– In the future, I think mining of deficit raw materials with high risk of import disruptions will develop strongly, including rare earth elements – Zmarzły added. He also pointed to the growing role of exploration, documentation of new deposits, and recovery from anthropogenic deposits.
Alicja Krzemień, president of EURACOAL and professor at the Central Mining Institute, observes that mining in Europe and worldwide is undergoing a deep change – from traditional extraction towards raw material security, digitalisation, automation, environmental responsibility and new models of post-mining land use. – Future Mining Forum & Expo can become a place where all these threads are brought together in a practical conversation – with industry, science, administration, technology providers, investors and mining regions – she said.
Krzemiń also emphasised that Poland possesses competencies in underground mining, occupational safety, natural hazard management and transformation of post-mining areas. – We have a lot to show internationally – she concluded.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Tupungato / Shutterstock
