Safety and efficiency of mining operations based on the Industry 4.0 concept are the main topics of this year’s Forum. Its effects should include new ideas to influence the future and growth of the mining sector. - We should discuss the fourth industrial revolution because it brings new quality to Polish mining. Let us discuss about everything that could improve efficiency and safety in mines - argued Prof. Józef Dubiński, President of the Association of Mining Engineers and Technicians as he welcomed the Forum participants: - The mission and formula of IMF 2019 differs from that of classic conferences. We are hoping for a broad debate since this is a positive confrontation of Polish and international mining.
IMF 2019 is an excellent opportunity to look into the effects of the previous Forum held two years ago and to set new goals. - I had the chance to initiate many interesting relationships. Poland is an important partner for Australia because we have lots in common. One of these things is mining that we care to develop so much. I can proudly say that Australia is a leader of contemporary solutions applied all over the world, in which many countries are interested. The Australian mining sector is safe, innovative, it continues to develop and most certainly will not die out. It is important to establish an international coalition of partners such as JSW, who approach mining very seriously – Paul Wojciechowski, the Ambassador of Australia, said today. This year, panelists attempt to answer questions about the future development of Polish mining sector and its conformity to what is happening in this industry globally. The leader in this field in Poland is Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa, which learned its lessons from the previous Forum held two years before. Today, JSW is an active player in the pro-innovation game in the mining industry. - The fourth industrial revolution is happening right before our eyes, with great intensity that was never seen before. This is why we are even more daring in working on innovative, modern technologies that will allow us to create a smart mine. Together we can prove that Polish mining industry is capable of creating innovative solutions and effective technologies. Together, we have the chance to build a contemporary and environmentally-friendly mining sector that is fit for the 21st century – said Daniel Ozon, President of the Management Board of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa, who also listed the innovative projects conducted in the Company’s mines and units.
The conference is attended by diplomats from Australia, United Kingdom and Germany, experts of the Central Mining Institute, State Mining Authority, the AGH University of Science and Technology, representatives of the mining companies and politicians. They all came with a shared interest in discussing restructuring and development of mining. - The future of mining is computerization, digitization, innovative solutions and expansion of the resource base, as well as improvements in efficiency and productivity. There is demand for coal, which is shown by growing imports, and there is a need to build new mines – said Jonasz Drabek from the mining department of the Energy Ministry. He was accompanied by Prof. Stanisław Prusek, director general of the Central Mining Institute: - All mines are implementing Industry 4.0; the progress differs but this is what we are destined to do; there is no other way forward.
International Mining Forum is held on post-mining areas, at the International Congress Center, which is the pride of Katowice. IMF 2019 will last until today. During the first day of the Forum, the debate was focused on topics of implementing and utilizing modern technical and IT solutions in mines, undertaking extensive efforts to provide information about the management of mineral resources and the processes involved in obtaining them. The panelists have repeatedly noted the great importance of coking coal, which is on the European Union list of critical raw materials and is a raw material important for the Polish, European and global economy. - We must try to make sure that coking coal is included in this list in the coming years as well. Earlier, the list had increased from 14 to 27, and I cannot imagine that coking coal would be removed from it – explained Maurits Bruggink from the European Union Critical Raw Materials Alliance.
Several thematic sessions are planned to take place on Friday among others in Katowice, Jastrzębie-Zdrój and Kraków. Details can be found at: www.imf2019.pl/sesje-tematyczne
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The JSW Group is the largest producer of high quality hard coking coal and a significant producer of coke in the European Union. Coal extracted by the JSW Group, mainly coking coal, is used in Central Europe by local steel mills owned by international steel producers and regional utilities. The high-quality coke produced by the JSW Group is also sold on the global market. JSW is the host of the International Mining Forum 2019.
