The Supreme Mining Office (WUG) reports that between 2021 and 2025, underground mining plants recorded 40 fatal and serious accidents caused by non-compliance with regulations governing the operation of machinery, equipment and technical installations, or by their technical condition being inconsistent with documentation.
According to the data compiled by WUG, the largest number of incidents occurred during horizontal transport operations, which accounted for 16 accidents. Another high-risk area was the operation of machinery and equipment at mine faces and in longwalls, where eight accidents were recorded.
The five-year period also saw five fatal and serious accidents involving pressure equipment and installations, three accidents related to vertical transport, and eight accidents involving other types of underground machinery and equipment.
Electrical installations also a major concern
Between 2021 and 2025, underground mining plants experienced 22 accidents associated with the operation of electrical installations, three of which were fatal. This highlights a persistent safety challenge that goes beyond mechanical equipment.
In 2025 alone, four fatal accidents occurred in underground mines – two in hard coal mines, one in a copper ore mine and one in a facility operating under Article 2(1) of the Geological and Mining Law. Additionally, three serious accidents were reported, all of them in hard coal mines. All these incidents resulted from improper operation of machinery and equipment.
Furthermore, in 2025 one serious accident was recorded in a facility operating under Article 2(1)(4) of the Geological and Mining Law.
Accident statistics from 2024
In 2024, underground mining plants recorded four fatal accidents – three in hard coal mines and one in a copper ore mine – as well as two serious accidents, both in hard coal mines. Again, the root cause was identified as improper operation of machinery and equipment.
The future of the mining, raw materials and industrial sectors will be discussed at the Future Mining Forum & Expo, scheduled for 9-11 September at the International Congress Centre in Katowice. Registration for the event is already open.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PGG
