Abstract

This publication presents the research aimed at showing the change hard coal mining conditions in Poland. In total 499 longwalls in 7 coal mines were analysed, including 240 longwalls that were mined in the period of 2010 to 2021 and 259 longwalls scheduled for exploitation in the years 2022 to 2030. It has been shown that the geological and mining conditions deteriorate as mining operations progress. In the case of underground mining, the occurring natural hazards result in increases in technical problems and in the cost of coal production, and consequently affects the assessment of the economic efficiency of mining plants.

Keywords: Polish mining sector; Longwall production and costs; Geological and mining conditions