The Future Mining Forum & Expo, scheduled for September 9-11 in Katowice, has just expanded its speaker lineup, adding top representatives from administration, industry, and technology providers. The three-day event will focus on critical challenges facing the European economy, including resource security, critical metals, and the transformation of heavy industry.
Organized at the International Congress Centre in Katowice, the forum brings together policymakers, business leaders, and scientists to debate the future of the mining and resources sector. The program now includes new speakers from key institutions such as Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa, the Ministry of Energy, and the Silesian University of Technology.
Debates will cover strategic topics like raw material sovereignty, copper and critical metals, steelmaking, digitalisation, and regional transformation. Each session is designed to offer a multi-stakeholder perspective, ensuring a comprehensive discussion on how to secure supply chains and drive innovation.
Critical raw materials and european security
One of the main threads of the forum will be Europe’s dependency on imported critical minerals. – We need a coordinated strategy to reduce reliance on external suppliers, especially for lithium, rare earths, and copper – said a representative from the Ministry of Energy. – Poland, with its mining heritage and geological potential, can play a key role in this process.
Experts will also examine the role of new technologies in extracting and processing these materials more efficiently and sustainably. Sessions dedicated to digitalisation and automation will showcase how artificial intelligence and robotics can improve safety and productivity in mines.
Industrial transformation and regional development
Another key theme is the just transition of coal-rich regions like Silesia. The forum will present case studies from Poland and abroad on how to create new jobs and industries while phasing out fossil fuels. – The future of mining is not just about coal – it’s about the entire ecosystem of raw materials needed for the green transition – noted a representative from the Silesian University of Technology.
Participation is still open. Organisers encourage all stakeholders from the mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors to register and join the conversation. The event promises to be a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PTWP
