In April 2025 there was another decline in sales and production of hard coal in Poland. At the same time, stocks are increasing and employment in the mining sector is steadily decreasing. Experts are alerting the government to accelerate the elimination of mines, which is controversial among trade unionists and economists.
Deductions in coal sales and production
Data Industrial improvement Agency (ARP), in April 2025, sales of hard coal amounted to 2,97 million tonnes, which means a decrease in both March (3.39 million tonnes) and April 2024 (3.27 million tonnes).
A akin trend applies to production – was produced in April 3.14 million tonnes net carbonWhile in March it was 3,59 million tonnesand a year earlier 3,49 million tonnes.
Coal stocks increased to 5.29 million tonnes (compared to 5.13 million tonnes in March and 5.15 million tonnes in April 2024).
The number of workers in the mining sector is besides systematically decreasing. At the end of April 2025, employed 72.81,000 people, while a period earlier – 73.02 thousand., and 1 year earlier – 75.72,000.
Controversies around mine decommissioning
Dr. Paul Momrothe president Freedom and Property Foundation, criticizes the government's plans to phase out mining in Poland. In conversation with Doraczy.pl stressed:
"Despite the changing alleged energy mix, our base is inactive coal – without mines and power plants it is virtually impossible to keep this system".
Momro pointed out that the government continues to implement Social agreement 2021which assumed the gradual closure of mines in exchange for clearances and guarantees to miners. In his opinion, the current government Accelerates this processwhich could have a negative impact on energy security.
Plan to liquidate 6 mines – cost 9.125 billion PLN
Ministry of manufacture is preparing an amendment to the Mining Operation Act, which provides for decommissioning of six mines within the next 10 years:
- Bobrek (accelerated closure due to bluntness preventing further extraction),
- Uncle,
- Pineapples,
- Boleslaw Bold,
- Bielszowice,
- Halemba.
The cost of extinguishing these plants was estimated at PLN 9,125 billionof which 8.3 billion PLN is to come from the state budget.
"So we gotta pay us all from taxes ultra costly extinction of these six historical ones, it can be said that the most iconic coal mining plants, and these are large billions. How many investments in modern discoveries, in modernisation or in fresh power plants could be realised for this money” – stressed Momro.
Summary
The situation in Polish coal mining is increasingly difficult. Sales and production declines, increasing stocks and decreasing employment indicate systematic crisis in the industry. Plans to liquidate further mines rise objections to any experts who believe that Poland too rapidly giving up his own resourceswhich could jeopardise the country's energy stability.
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Polish coal in crisis: Sales, production and employment in mining are falling
