During the discussion heads of mining companies, politicians and local governments talked about cooperation between mining and local governments about the influence mining has on the development of the province. – Mining is the driving force of all Silesia and of particular cities and communes – said Jarosław Zagórowski, the President of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa during the meeting. – The future of mining in Silesia is up to local governments and companies.  Whether we want it or not we have to cooperate for the benefit of both parties. Our collaboration would be far easier if we would not have complicated law with  disputed taxes. It is rather appeal to the MPs to formulate transparent law dealing with this issue – added Mr Zagórowski.

The same opinions were formulated by the Presidents of Jastrzębie–Zdrój and Ruda Śląska.  These local governments are seen as the best in terms of cooperation with mining companies. – Our city lives of mining, the great majority of our inhabitants works in JSW mines, and it cannot be denied. The development of Jastrzębie–Zdrój depends on the good JSW condition – stressed Marcin Janecki, President of Jastrzębie–Zdrój.  The money JSW pays  to the city constitute almost half of the  budget of Jastrzębie-Zdrój. In Silesian region mining companies employ around 90 thousand people. One workplace in mining generates 4 workplaces in mining – affiliated companies. Every year  6 thousand people find the job in Silesian mines. Cities and communes which have mining in their territories observe the lowest unemployment rate. The percentage of unemployed people in Jastrzebie-Zdrój and Ruda Śląska is only 8 per cent.

foto: Maciej Dorosiński