This year’s Barbórka is special. – We celebrate the 100th anniversary of Poland’s Independence and the 25th anniversary of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa. We are very happy that Barbórka has been inscribed on UNESCO’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. For years we have been proudly celebrating Barbórka as an important event – said Józef Jaszczyk, Director of the “Pniówek” mine, welcoming the guests.
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s Central Barbórka Assembly started with a moment of silence to honor tragically killed miners. In May, in the Zofiówka Section of the “Borynia-Zofiówka-Jastrzębie” mine, five miners we killed and two were miraculously saved. Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s Management Board President mentioned the eleven-day rescue operation with the participation of over 2,500 people. – This is a great pain for us, which is hard to express in words. We have not conducted such a difficult and long rescue operation in Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s mines for years. We owe a great respect to the rescue workers who, risking their own lives, were saving their colleagues, for which I would like to give them particular thanks.
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa was established 25 years ago. Now it is a recognized name in Poland, in Europe and all over the world. JSW is a strong and valued company which constantly wins recognition among investors. – We have become a modern and ambitious company. We have a great potential, we lead in innovative technologies and focus on constant development – said Daniel Ozon, President of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s Management Board, thanking the employees, without whom all these achievements and plans would not be possible. – Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa is forward-looking and we are aware that coking coal resources determine our existence, therefore we focus on expanding our resource base. We continue investments related to modernization of the Coal Preparation Plant to improve the quality of our products. We have already spent nearly PLN 800 million on investments.
On the occasion of the miners’ holiday, St. Barbara’s Day, Daniel Ozon, President of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s Management Board, conveyed best wishes to the participants of the event and the entire mining community. – Your devotion and hardship deserve recognition and utmost respect. I wish you success and health but also, primarily, safe work. On the occasion of Barbórka, may our Patron Saint give you perserverance and strength in daily duties. Be proud of your work! God bless!
Also the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki conveyed an address to miners. His letter was read out by Robert Magdziarz, Vice-Governor of the Silesian Province. Here’s a fragment of the letter: Barbórka is one of the most precious treasures of our national heritage. It manifests the strength and beauty of the mining tradition. Mining is the engine of Poland’s economy. Over the past three years the mining industry has gone through a restructuring and renovation process which ensures its safe operation. The future is mining requires improved efficiency and innovative solutions. This is how a modern Poland is being born. Barbórka is your holiday, a special day – as special as your important work. I would like to thank the employees and management board of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa for everything you do for Poland. I congratulate you and wish you peaceful work.
At the end of the Barbórka celebrations, prelate Bernard Czernecki talked about his special service for the miners and all men of hard work. – You are not only on my mind, but also in my heart and in my prayers. Last week I was visiting Our Lady in Częstochowa and I entrusted each of you, your work, your mines and your beloved families to her heart. We know that the mine is the provider of the mining families. But you know perfectly well that the mine may also make you cry, because the mine is also a temple of the elements, gas, water, darkness and fire; there are rock bursts and mine collapses, therefore miners should enter the mine like they enter the church, with a clean soul. But sometimes you leave your soul in the mine for ever – said moved prelate and added – Let each shift be happy, let there be no shortage of bread on your tables and let Saint Barbara spread her protection over you and your families. I congratulate the jubilees and bow to the banners and the orchestra. God bless you always and everywhere.
The official part of this year’s Barbórka Assembly ended with a miner’s sword, medal and distinction presentation ceremony. For the first time in Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s history, people of special merit for the Company were honored. Eighteen people were distinguished, including prelate Bernard Czernecki and Józef Jaszczyk, Director of the “Pniówek” mine.
