Mine closure date
The janitor was asked about the completion date brown coal mine operations “Konin” during the celebration of St. Barbara’s Day in Konin.
“I think that the end of operation of the coal units and the end of the mine will be in the first half of 2026,” he said. He added that this is the date of exploitation of coal from the last operating open pit “Tomisławice”.
Previously, the president of ZE PAK indicated the end of 2025 as the date for the end of the activities of PAK KWB “Konin”, at the same time signaling that it is possible to extend its operation until 2026.
“Energy transformation is a fact”
“The energy transition is a fact, we cannot escape it. Here, in Eastern Greater Poland, we have been talking in a very honest and open way for many years that this transformation is taking place. We have been preparing for this all these years,” Woźny said.
He added that currently ZE PAK employees can benefit from two pillars of assistance. The first is the protective act that guarantees them annual severance pay or mining leave up to four years before retirement. The program will consume approximately PLN 1.3 billion from the state budget and is expected to last until 2034. The second one is the EU-financed “Road to employment after coal” program. Employees of mines and power plants, related companies and their families can benefit from help in finding a new job or starting their own business. Its total value is over PLN 257 million.
As part of the celebration of St. Barbara’s Day in Konin, miners took part in Holy Mass. for his intention in the church of St. Wojciech. Then, together with the PAK KWB Konin Brass Band and banners, they marched through the city streets. The delegation of the ZE PAK authorities laid flowers in front of the Cardinal’s monument. Stefan Wyszyński and a stone commemorating the creation of the mine. A miners’ breakfast was also prepared for everyone.
The president of ZE PAK said that “this is not the last St. Mary’s Eve”. “We will think about how to cultivate it. There are many elements of cultural heritage here that need to be worked on to be maintained. The mining orchestra, these celebrations, I think it has become a permanent part of the DNA of this region. This is a topic to talk to local government officials about how to cultivate this tradition,” he said.
The mine in Konin was established during World War II
During its operation, coal was mined in nine open pits located in several communes and several counties of Eastern Greater Poland. In 2012, the mine became part of the mine controlled by Zygmunt Solorz of the ZE PAK group. The company, which also includes, among others, “Pątnów” and “Konin” power plants, is the largest employer in the region; currently employs approximately 2.7 thousand people people.
A few years ago, ZE PAK announced a strategy to move away from coal mining and burning. The company is currently investing in renewable energy sources and building a gas power plant in Turek (Greater Poland Voivodeship). It is also planned in cooperation with the state-owned PGE and the Korean KHNP construction of a nuclear power plant in Konin. (PAP)
