At the Silesian University of Technology, the future of post-mining areas was discussed
On the 17th of June, the conference “THE FUTURE OF POST-MINING AREAS” was held at the Silesian University of Technology. The organizers of the event were: the State Mining Authority together with the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology and the National Geological Institute – National Research Institute.
In the era of energy transformation and the need to move away from coal mining, the future of the areas where mining has been carried out for years remains uncertain. It is therefore necessary to discuss the future of these places. In order to meet the needs of local governments, which will soon face the problem of revitalization of former mines and areas, at the Silesian University of Technology, a conference on this subject was organized.
The conference “THE FUTURE OF POST-MINING AREAS” was organized by the State Mining Authority together with the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology and the National Geological Institute – National Research Institute.
- The theme of the conference is very current because it concerns our near and further future. In particular, we want to share our knowledge with local governments at the county and provincial level – said Piotr Litwa, President of the State Mining Authority, who confirmed at the same time the great interest in the event. 260 people applied for the event, but due to the limited number of places, the event could finally be attended by about 170.
- We have to answer the question whether this second life of post-mining areas is possible, and if so, under what conditions. Therefore, as a State Mining Authority, we want to share our knowledge about our resources in a special way. We have an institution such as the Archives of Geologic and Metrology Documentation, where we keep records of liquidated mining plants. This is a compendium of knowledge about post-mining areas - he added.
During the conference, the State Mining Authority encouraged municipalities and investors to use this knowledge, who have an idea for using post-mining areas, but want to know the conditions and possible risks that may arise there.
- This event is of great importance. Since we talk so often about the transformation of the Silesian Voivodeship, the role of all who have an impact on it, including the people gathered at this conference, is to find solutions so that new jobs can be created, based, of course, on what happened here before. For this to happen, we need solid documentation, research, and solutions, which I hope will arise during the discussion at this conference – said Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Bożena Skołud, Vice-Rector for General Affairs of Silesian University of Technology.
The Dean of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering, and Industrial Automation Dr Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Filipowicz Prof. SUT also had no doubts that the transformation creates new opportunities and challenges.
- In the face of changes, it is important for scientists to support this process. It is good that we are also talking at this conference with representatives of local government and administration units, which will be responsible for conducting the process of transformation or development of industrial areas, because this will allow for a constructive exchange of thoughts and experiences - he emphasized.
Prof. dr. hab. inż. Krzysztof Szamałek, director fom the National Geological Institute was also optimistic about the future of post-mining areas.
- I am sure there will be life after life. We are aware that this is not only a vision of certain solutions, but problems related to excavations, sinkholes, and the need to monitor extinguished plants. We are already dealing with this as the National Geological Institute, being in contact with liquidators and local governments. However, it is important to continue good cooperation and exchange of experience. We are open to it, - he said.
The conference brought together representatives of public administration, including local government units, scientific institutions and interested in issues related to the development and revitalization of post-mining areas.
The honorary patronage of this event was taken by: Ministry of Industry; Ministry of Climate and Environment; Main Commission of Geology of Mining and Environmental Protection and His Magnificence Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk.
fot. Maciej Mutwil
