Poland speeds up coal mine closures

Poland’s Council of Ministers adopted a draft amendment to the act on hard coal mining on October 28, 2025, according to the government. The planned legislation empowers mining companies to liquidate mines independently with state financial support, while limiting subsidies for ongoing operations and production capacity reductions.

The amendment will also enable the transfer of property of mining enterprises in the form of a donation. The acquired areas may be used, for example, for investments, construction of infrastructure or revitalisation projects, which will help in the economic development of former mining regions. According to the government, the aim is a just energy transition from coal. More precisely, to ensure a controlled, gradual and socially acceptable process of phasing out thermal coal mines, while securing the interests of employees and the stability of mining companies. The bill will proceed to the parliament to debate, and will only enter into force after parliamentary approval and a presidential signature.

“The amendment is a concrete response to the challenges of energy transformation and real support for thousands of miners,” said Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka. “We want the process of change to proceed responsibly, with respect for local communities. The new regulations open the way to a just transformation of mining regions, and post-mining areas can gain new functions, becoming an impulse for investments and development as well as creating new jobs.”