The final day of the European Economic Congress in Katowice — the largest business event in Central Europe — was dominated by discussions about the mining industry and coal. As Marek Wesoły, the government plenipotentiary for the transformation of energy companies and coal mining under Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, points out, global coal production is rising. Even U.S. President Donald Trump emphasizes its necessity, while Poland, under the influence of the European Union, continues to move away from this resource. Meanwhile, the Dębieńsko deposit in Silesia, containing the largest coal reserves in Poland and currently eyed by a German-capital company for a reconnaissance license, should remain in Polish hands. “This is a matter of national interest,” Wesoły told us.
European Economic Congress Ends in Katowice
The European Economic Congress, the biggest business event in Central Europe, concluded on Friday in Katowice. One of the panels was dedicated to the mining industry. Despite the fact that coal production is rising globally — India mined 1 billion tons last year, China 4.8 billion tons, and U.S. President Donald Trump stresses its importance — Poland is moving away from coal.
Steinhoff: Let’s Say Goodbye to Mining with Dignity
Leszek Pietraszek, former president of the Polish Mining Group (the EU’s largest coal producer) appointed during Donald Tusk’s administration, claims that coal production in Poland will not increase. Janusz Steinhoff, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy under Jerzy Buzek’s government, concurs, saying that mining is becoming history and should be bid farewell with dignity.
Risk of Energy Shortages
Jarosław Zagórowski, director of the Central Mining Institute in Katowice, warns that miners have become an easy target:
“Polish mines are among the most challenging in the world, facing numerous hazards that only Polish miners have the expertise to handle. This potential and these skills are now at risk of being lost. There’s no longer a single office in Poland capable of designing a new mine — we can only exploit existing ones. What will happen when this knowledge disappears with the older generation?” he asks.
“Until nuclear power is developed, we need to maintain the energy system, which requires hard and brown coal. A nuclear plant by the sea is expected by 2038, as was discussed at the congress. Work on a second location is underway but won’t be completed until 2050. We may face energy shortages. Coal will remain the safest energy source during the transition period. We have the Ministry of Industry here in Silesia — and yet… if only we knew how to truly leverage it,” director Zagórowski says, not hiding his disappointment.
Global Coal Production on the Rise
Marek Wesoły, government envoy for the transformation of energy companies and coal mining, states:
“The world is increasing coal production. Within the next two years, as much as 9 billion tons of coal are expected to be mined globally. Meanwhile, here at the congress, we’re discussing how to abandon coal and then wonder why mines are unprofitable. The European Union has made mistakes. Heavy industry has been expelled from Europe, and soon metallurgy, still profitable elsewhere, may vanish too. Energy today is thanks to miners. Current state subsidies are not funding restructuring but reducing coal production. We are not investing in mining — and it’s a mistake that we yielded to Europe’s pressure. Hard coal remains a strategic resource.”
Poland Can Offer Europe Many Benefits
Wesoły adds that Poland should advocate for a revision of the EU’s Green Deal policy. Poland, with its remaining coal resources, could lead the way and offer significant benefits to Europe. With the upcoming Polish presidency in the EU, this is an opportunity to act.
“The Dębieńsko coal deposit, the largest in Poland, now being sought by a German-capital company for a reconnaissance license, must stay in Polish hands. This is a matter of national interest,” Wesoły tells us.
“We Will Not Be Guided by National Interests!”
We asked Krzysztof Galos, the Chief Geologist of Poland and Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment — the body responsible for granting mining licenses — about the future of the Dębieńsko deposit, especially since Prime Minister Tusk recently spoke about the “repolonization” of the economy. Currently, Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa is competing for the Dębieńsko license against Silesian Coal, backed by German capital.
“We will not be guided by national interests, nor are we allowed to. We will choose the better offer,” Galos tells us.