Miners in Poland protest against closure of two mines — RMF24

In Poland’s Katowice, miners and trade union members staged a protest outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Energy. They demand that plans to close the “Sośnica” and “Bolesław Śmiały” mines in the coming years be halted, RMF24 reports.

Demand to extend the mines’ operations

The action began on October 5 at 10:00 a.m. in front of the ministry building. Protest participants are seeking to keep both mines operating for another four to five years.

According to the protesters, about 5 million tonnes of coal remain underground and could be extracted. They say that closing the facilities would not only result in job losses but would also pose a threat to Poland’s energy security.

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Other demands of the protesters

Bogusław Ziętek, head of the Sierpień 80 trade union, said that the demonstrators advocate a return to coal in the energy sector. Their demands also include ending what they consider excessive coal imports and launching the new “Złoczew” coal mine for the Bełchatów power plant.

Trade union members also demand that Poland withdraw from the Green Deal. The participants believe that decisions concerning the mines could affect not only Silesia but the entire country.