Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG) and the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow have entered into a cooperation agreement. The goal is to develop concepts for the new development of future post-mining areas. The letter of intent was signed by PGG President Łukasz Deja and AGH Vice-Rector for Cooperation Prof. Rafał Wiśniowski. This is intended to be the first step towards assigning new economic functions to these areas instead of their liquidation.

Partnership for Transformation

Polska Grupa Górnicza and the AGH University of Science and Technology have signed a letter of intent to jointly seek ideas for the future of post-mining areas. The goal is the best possible utilization of the potential of these areas.

New Functions Instead of Liquidation

The parties want to assign the lands new economic functions, which is intended as an alternative to their complete liquidation after coal extraction ends. The use of infrastructure for energy production or storage is being considered.

Context of Local Government Challenges

The transformation of mining regions is a test for local governments in terms of managing water and land deformations. The Polish Geological Institute and the State Mining Authority are also involved in this process.

Poland's largest coal company, Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG), and the AGH University of Science and Technology (AGH) in Krakow have undertaken cooperation for the transformation of post-mining areas. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, a letter of intent was signed to initiate a joint search for solutions for the future development of these areas. The document was signed by PGG President Łukasz Deja and AGH Vice-Rector for Cooperation Prof. Rafał Wiśniowski. As PGG indicates, the goal is the best possible utilization of the potential of post-mining lands by assigning them new economic functions.

Polish coal mining, a key element of the economy for decades, has for years faced the challenge of energy transition. Previous plans often simply assumed the liquidation of mines after the depletion of deposits. Currently, models are being sought that will allow for preserving value and utilizing existing infrastructure and human capital.

The agreement is of an intent nature and constitutes the first step. The parties will jointly analyze possibilities for using mining infrastructure, including underground workings, for purposes related to energy production or storage. As commentators note, this path could be a turning point, signifying a departure from the traditional liquidation model in favor of modern transformation. Potential projects could transform post-mining lands into modern green energy centers. At the same time, during the ongoing Underground Exploitation School, discussions are taking place about the challenges facing mining municipality local governments. Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection Piotr Otawski and representatives of the Association of Mining Municipalities are discussing key issues such as post-mining water management and land deformations. State institutions are also involved in the process of safe regional transformation: the Polish Geological Institute (PIG) and the State Mining Authority (WUG). PGG management has for some time declared the company's willingness to align with the energy transition process. The signed agreement with a renowned technical university like AGH is a concrete manifestation of these declarations. The developed concepts are intended to serve the practical development of areas that will cease to function as mines in the future.

Mentioned People

  • Łukasz Deja — President of Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG), signatory of the letter of intent with AGH
  • Rafał Wiśniowski — Professor, Vice-Rector for Cooperation at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, signatory of the letter of intent with PGG
  • Piotr Otawski — Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection, participant in debates on the transformation of post-mining regions