Mining and geology experts met at the Silesian University of Technology
The most important challenges related to the future of the mining sector during the transformation of the region were discussed and debated upon during the International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Development Mining 2025 – Partnership of Science, Industry, Self-Government and Administration for the future of Mining and Regional Transformation”. The conference and the parallel international workshops on the revitalization of post-industrial areas, which took place on the 11th of December, are part of the celebrations of the 4th National “Barbórka” Meeting of Miners 2025.
The scientific conference brought together many guests, outstanding experts in mining and geology in Poland, representatives of universities, the most important companies related to mining, presidents of enterprises, local government authorities. The participants were welcomed by Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Sebastian Werle, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, and the conference was opened by Marian Zmarzli, Deputy Minister of Energy, graduate of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering, and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology. The Minister presented the most important assumptions of the Act on the functioning of mining and the strategic directions of the Ministry’s activities.
– The well-being of the society is the most important for us, we want to carry out the energy transformation in the way that will be safe for Silesia. Together with the Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka and the whole team of people, we are working to make sure that the inhabitants of the region are not affected by the effects of the closure of the mines. We know very well, that behind every mine are whole families whose lives and livelihoods are connected with the mining industry. Therefore, we want the transformation process to be as smooth as possible for them – added Minister Zmarzli, stressing that his return to the walls of the Silesian University of Technology raises many memories. – I have not visited the Silesian University of Technology with such joy for a long time. I never thought I would come back here as a political figure. I am very pleased that today’s conference brought together so many representatives of coal companies, local governments, and a group of professors.
Among the speakers of the conference was, among others, Dr Eng. Piotr Litwa, President of the Higher Mining Authority, also a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology. President Litwa spoke about mining supervision in the face of challenges related to transformation and safe liquidation of mines. Safety was also the subject of discussion and speech delivered by Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Tajduś from the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Strata Mechanics Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Professor Tajduś, on the example of the experience of the German Ruhr region, showed how transformation can get out of control and how important is effective water management and geotechnical monitoring in the context of Silesia. His speech, “Transformation that does not drown: Mine waters, deformations, and lessons from the experience of closing the Ruhr mines” was an appeal for reason. The participants of the conference also discussed the environmental risks resulting from the liquidation of mining plants. One of the most recent examples is the flooding in the Olkusz region and the Bukowno commune monitored by the Upper Silesian Branch of the State Geological Service.
– The appeals of local authorities for help were very telling. If we do not take appropriate action, similar phenomena may also occur in our region. Unfortunately, physics, hydrogeology and degradation of underground structures contribute to the formation of undesirable environmental effects – said Dr Eng. Krzysztof Filipowicz, Prof. SUT, the Dean of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology - The conference is of great importance to me. As a faculty, we deal with topics that are very close to the issues raised during this meeting. We managed to gather specialists in the field of geology, representatives of local governments, government administration, financing institutions, and coal companies – emphasized the Dean.
The conference was accompanied by international workshops, which were organized for the third time by Dr Hab. Eng. Iwona Jonczy, Prof. SUT from the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering, and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology.
– The aim of the workshops, connected with the “Barbórka” celebrations, was to create a space for the presentation of experiences and exchange of thoughts with representatives of foreign universities cooperating with our faculty. They are attended by recognized experts in the field of mining and geology, who in their countries deal with the current challenges of the sector, including issues related to the revitalization of post-mining areas – said Professor Jonczy.
One of the experts who discussed the most important trends in mining and the situation of the industry on the world market during the classes was Prof. Jamal Rostami of the Colorado School of Mines.
- The mining sector and mining industries are currently undergoing a significant transformation. With the development of the sector, many new opportunities arise due to electrification and other technological changes. We need much more raw materials than before, and it is becoming increasingly obvious. After recent global conflicts, it is also clear that both Europe and the United States are lagging behind in resource development and self-sufficiency. As a result, a strong emphasis is placed around the world - and particularly in Europe and the US - on the production of critical raw materials. Meetings such as this help us to understand not only the essence of problems, but also possible solutions - said Professor Rostami.
The events were also accompanied by a poster session presenting innovative technologies and research for sustainable mining.
This year’s scientific conference was held under the honorary patronage of the Minister of State Assets, the Minister of Energy, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship Wojciech Saługa, the Mayor of Gliwice Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka, the Head of the State Geological Service (pig-PIB) Prof. Krzysztof Szamałek, His Magnificence Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
