Polish hard coal mining is experiencing a significant contraction, with employment in the sector falling to 67,400 people at the end of May 2026. This marks a drop of nearly 4,000 workers since January, when the industry employed 71,245 people. The data comes from the Katowice branch of the Industrial Development Agency (ARP).
According to ARP figures, Polish coal producers extracted a total of 3.6 million tonnes of hard coal in May 2026, while sales reached 3.4 million tonnes. At the end of May, coal stocks stood at 2.7 million tonnes. The numbers confirm a steady downward trend in both production and workforce.
Employment decline continues
The reduction in headcount has been ongoing for several years, driven by mine closures, efficiency improvements, and the broader energy transition. The loss of 3,845 jobs in the first five months of 2026 alone is notable, though the pace is slightly slower than in some previous periods. – The sector is systematically reducing its workforce in line with restructuring plans and falling demand for coal – said a spokesperson for the Katowice branch of ARP.
The largest mining company, Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG), has been implementing voluntary redundancy programs and early retirement schemes to manage the decline. Other companies, such as JSW and LW Bogdanka, are also adjusting their staffing levels to match lower output.
Production and stocks reflect shrinking market
Production of 3.6 million tonnes in May is lower than in previous years, even considering seasonal variations. Sales lag slightly behind output, leading to a stockpile of 2.7 million tonnes. This indicates that the market for hard coal is shrinking, as power plants switch to natural gas, renewables, and imported coal. The national energy mix is gradually moving away from coal, reducing domestic demand.
Analysts note that further declines are inevitable. The European Union’s climate policies and Poland’s own commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 will continue to pressure the sector. Mining companies are focusing on extracting remaining reserves at lower costs, while also diversifying into other activities such as mine rehabilitation and renewable energy projects.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. LW Bogdanka / materiały prasowe
