Australian mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) companies are well positioned to assist Poland in its transition to sustainable mining.
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) says Poland is at a critical juncture in its energy transition. To meet its net zero emissions targets by 2050 and satisfy energy demands, “the country must accelerate its shift away from coal and embrace cleaner energy sources”.
Over the past decade, the share of coal in Poland’s energy mix has gradually decreased. In 2015, coal accounted for roughly 82.5% of Poland’s electricity generation. In January 2025, coal accounted for 58.9% of the Polish power sector.
The energy policy of Poland until 2040 outlines the nation’s path for energy transition. By 2030, the country is aiming for renewables to account for 32% of its electricity production and coal 56% at most.
Under the European Union Green Deal, the bloc is aiming to achieve net zero by 2050. Poland will have to triple its rate of decarbonisation over the next decade compared with the previous 30 years.
Austrade notes Poland’s energy goals require a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources and the modernisation of existing mining operations to improve efficiency and reduce environmental footprint.
This presents significant opportunities for Australian mining equipment, technology and services companies that can provide innovative solutions to modernise Poland’s mining sector, enhance safety and drive sustainability, says Austrade Warsaw’s Senior Business Development Manager Ania Plawinska.
“Poland’s mining industry is deeply rooted in coal extraction,” says Plawinska.
“Coal has historically been a cornerstone of the nation’s energy security, and we have significant coal reserves. Hard coal and lignite mining have been major industrial activities for decades.
“Poland faces the dual challenge of reducing these emissions while ensuring a reliable energy supply.”
Poland and Australia share a long history of mining. Polish miners hold Australian suppliers in high regard for their work health safety (WHS) and safety management systems. According to Plawinska, while Poland has a strong reputation for safety, innovation and efficiency, the country needs to minimise the environmental impact of its mining activities.
Australian METS companies can capitalise on by offering a range of solutions to address Poland’s specific needs. Companies with expertise in areas such as water management, waste reduction, and mine rehabilitation can provide solutions to help Poland achieve its sustainability goals.
Austrade says the Polish mining industry is looking for products and services such as underground communications and GPS staff tracking systems; head lamps; personal methane and O2 gas sensors; self-aspiring gas masks and air purifying respirators; climate control; refuge chambers; bat bags (rock dust) for coal dust explosion suppression; and general safety practices, such as rescue training.
Australian METS have a reputation in Poland as a supplier of unique technologies with high safety standards. For example, in 2022 NLT Digital was offering real-time extraction data, tracks underground operations and offers two-way communication. This helps keep miners safe by telling them to evacuate in a dangerous situation. It also alerts above-ground staff when machinery needs repairing.
NLT Digital Solutions is touted as the first company globally to introduce an underground wi-fi communication network in coal mines.
However, Austrade warns that imported mining equipment must have the required EU certification and associated documentation. Poland’s mining sector is regulated primarily by the Geological and Mining Law. Safety regulations for mining equipment in Poland are governed by several key pieces of legislation and directives, focused on ensuring the safe operation of machinery and protecting workers from hazards.
“Poland’s mining sector is undergoing a transformation underpinned by sustainable practices and the need to meet ambitious environmental targets. By offering innovative solutions that enhance safety, improve efficiency, drive sustainability, and address specific challenges like methane safety and water treatment, Australian companies can play a crucial role in supporting Poland’s energy transition and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” Austrade says.
Cleantech and sustainability solutions includes:
- Water treatment technology: Mining operations generate significant volumes of wastewater contaminated with heavy metals, sediments and other pollutants. Australian companies specialising in advanced water treatment technologies, such as reverse osmosis, membrane filtration, and bioremediation, can help Polish mines effectively treat wastewater, reduce water consumption, and comply with environmental regulations. This is crucial for minimising the impact on local water resources.
- Clean energy integration: Australian companies with experience in integrating renewable energy into mining operations are in demand. This includes solutions for powering mines with renewable energy, developing energy-efficient processes, and supporting the development of renewable energy infrastructure.
- Mine closure and rehabilitation: As Poland phases out coal mines, effective mine closure and rehabilitation is essential. This offers opportunities for Australian METS companies with expertise in decommissioning mines, land remediation and decontamination, water management, and long-term environmental monitoring.
Poland’s mining sector
A large portion of Poland’s coal is extracted from underground mines, which are often complex and challenging to operate. The country also has copper deposits, primarily mined by KGHM Polska Miedz, which are also predominantly underground operations.
Austrade says this reliance on underground mining presents unique challenges for decarbonisation as these mines are often associated with high methane emissions and require significant energy inputs for ventilation, cooling, and other operations.
“Poland’s decarbonisation efforts must not only focus on shifting to cleaner energy sources. The efforts must also modernise existing mining operations to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure a just transition for affected workers and communities,” Austrade says.
This includes addressing methane capture and utilisation, improving energy efficiency in underground operations, and developing alternative economic opportunities for mining regions.
Poland’s mining sector features a mix of state-owned and private enterprises. Some of the major mining companies include KGHM Polska Miedź, which is the largest Polish mining company. It is a major global producer of copper and silver, operating in Poland and internationally. KGHM employs some 34,000 people worldwide.
Polska Grupa Górnicza is the largest producer of hard coal in the European Union. The state-owned producer operates seven coal mines in Southern Poland.
Lubelski Węgiel “Bogdanka” specialises in high-quality thermal coal production and is a joint stock company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2009. In 2015, it became part of the state treasury-controlled Enea Capital Group.
Południowy Koncern Węglowy is one a key producers of thermal coal in Poland. The state-owned producer has three mining plants supplying the household sector, and the commercial power and heating industries.
JSW (Jastrzębska Spolka Węglowa) is the largest producer of high-quality coking coal in Europe, providing coal for steel production. The state treasury holds 55% of shares in the company.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Austrade & NLT Digital
