Sustainable mining in Poland: Opportunities for Australian mining firms

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 last decade, the share of coal in Poland’s energy mix has gradually decreased. In 2015, coal accounted for approximately 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 path for Poland’s energy transition. By 2030, Poland is aiming for renewables to account for 32% of its electricity production and coal to account for, at most, 56% of its electricity production.

This presents significant opportunities for Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies that can provide innovative solutions to modernise Poland’s mining sector, enhance safety and drive sustainability.

Poland’s energy challenge

Poland’s energy goals will require a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources and the modernisation of existing mining operations to improve efficiency and reduce environmental footprint.

‘Poland’s mining industry is deeply rooted in coal extraction,’ says Austrade Warsaw’s Senior Business Development Manager Ania 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.’

Overview of Poland’s mining sector

A large portion of this coal is extracted from underground mines, which are often complex and challenging to operate. Poland also has copper deposits, primarily mined by KGHM Polska Miedz, which are also predominantly underground mines. 

This reliance on underground mining, particularly for coal, presents unique challenges for decarbonisation. These mines are often associated with high methane emissions and require significant energy inputs for ventilation, cooling and other operations.

Furthermore, the social and economic implications of transitioning away from coal are substantial, as many communities depend on the coal mining industry for employment. 

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.  

This includes:

• addressing methane capture and utilisation
• improving energy efficiency in underground operations
• developing alternative economic opportunities for mining regions.

Poland’s resource management policies

Poland is committed to the rational and sustainable management of its natural resources, guided by a framework of national policies and regulations. These policies aim to balance economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility.

• Poland’s raw materials policy seeks to balance resource security with environmental sustainability, increasingly emphasising the need for efficient resource utilisation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.  
• Environmental protection laws are becoming stricter. Mining companies are being pushed to minimise their environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and land disturbance.  
• Social responsibility and community engagement are crucial. This requires mining companies to actively engage with local communities, address their concerns, and contribute to local development, particularly during the transition away from coal.
• Poland’s legal and regulatory framework is evolving to support these objectives. New regulations promote sustainable mining practices, incentivise emissions reductions, and ensure responsible mine closure and rehabilitation.  

These factors create a complex but necessary landscape that drives the modernisation of Polish mining. They encourage companies to adopt cleaner technologies, improve energy efficiency, and prioritise environmental and social sustainability.

Major mining companies in Poland

Poland’s mining sector features a mix of state-owned and private enterprises. Some of the major mining companies include:

• Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A. (PGG) is the largest producer of hard coal in the European Union. The state-owned producer operates 7 coal mines in Southern Poland. PGG employs around 37,000 people.
• Lubelski Węgiel “BOGDANKA” S.A. specialises in high-quality thermal coal production. The company employs nearly 6,000 people. Bogdanka 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, which holds almost 65% of the mine’s shares.
• Południowy Koncern Węglowy S.A. is one of the key producers of thermal coal in Poland. The state-owned producer has 3 mining plants supplying the household sector, and the commercial power and heating industries. It employs around 6,300 people.
• JSW (Jastrzębska Spolka Węglowa S.A.) is the largest producer of high-quality coking coal in Europe, providing coal for steel production. JSW employs around 21,000 people. The State Treasury holds 55% of shares in the company.
• KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. is the largest Polish mining company. It is a major global producer of copper and silver, operating in Poland and internationally. KGHM employs around 34,000 people worldwide.

A large portion of Poland’s coal is extracted from underground mines, presenting unique challenges for decarbonisation.

Opportunities for Australian METS companies

Australian METS companies are well positioned to assist Poland in its transition to sustainable mining. With a strong reputation for safety, innovation and efficiency, Australian companies can offer a range of solutions to address Poland’s specific needs.

Cleantech and sustainability solutions

Poland needs to minimise the environmental impact of its mining activities. Australian companies with expertise in areas like water management, waste reduction and mine rehabilitation can provide solutions to help Poland achieve its sustainability goals. This 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.

Safety solutions

Polish mines face various hazards, including methane explosions. Australian companies specialising in mine safety equipment, such as gas detection systems, personal protective equipment, emergency response technologies, and methane monitoring and mitigation systems, can help improve worker safety and reduce risks. This includes solutions for early detection, ventilation optimisation, and methane capture and utilisation.

Digitalisation and automation

There is ongoing demand for remote control, remote sensory and autonomous solutions. There are opportunities for Australian companies offering IT solutions for:

• mine planning
• efficient coal-bed methane extraction
• roof bolting expertise
• equipment and services including predictive maintenance and automation, autonomous vehicles and remote sensing.

Demand is concentrated in basins surrounding Katowice, Konin and Belchatow. These are areas where Poland has significant deposits of lignite, copper, zinc, lead and sulphur.

Geological exploration and resource assessment

Australian expertise in geological exploration and resource assessment can assist Poland to identify and develop new mineral resources in a sustainable manner.

Market entry strategies

There are several way in which to enter the Polish mining market.

Forge local partnerships

Collaborating with local Polish companies can provide valuable market knowledge and facilitate access to established networks. It is the most common way to enter the market, whether that is through a local partner or appointing a distributor. Having a local partner can be advantageous as most Polish mining companies are state-owned, meaning Australian companies must normally go through a public procurement process.

Visit the market

Participating in industry events and trade shows can help Australian companies showcase their solutions and connect with potential clients.

Certify your equipment to EU standards

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 target. 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.

Contact Austrade Warsaw’s Senior Business Development Manager Ania Plawinska to learn more about opportunities in Poland’s resources sector, market entry pathways and business development.