The conference consisted of four thematic panels, during which the discussion revolved around the mining identity of Silesia. The panelists discussed the transformation of the mining ethos in the 19th and 20th centuries, Poland's post-war mining industry, the "Solidarity" opposition in the 1980s and the contemporary face of mining. The conference was opened by Tomasz Cudny, President of the Management Board of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa.
- May this wide range of issues to be presented inspire a discussion on the identity of Silesia. Let this conference become a platform for sharing knowledge about the history and culture of our region - said Tomasz Cudny, President of the JSW Management Board.
The event brought together a large number of historians, scientists and experts, including representatives of the mining industry, as well as students and young people. The invitation to the conference was also accepted by Piotr Pyzik, Undersecretary of State, Special Representative of the Ministry of State Assets for Social Dialogue.
- This is a special occasion, thanks to which, I hope, the topic of preserving the Silesian identity in Silesia will have its continuation - noted Piotr Pyzik, Undersecretary of State, Special Representative for Social Dialogue, and added: - I wonder if in this transition, which is no longer of energy, but of civilization, we will be able to transfer traditions and customs to future generations. Let's build our future, including in the space of tradition and customs that will be left behind by all of us.
Robert Ciupa, director of the Silesian Freedom and Solidarity Center, pointed out that the mining industry has influenced the establishment and development of many Silesian cities. Housing estates, community centers, schools and sports fields and sports clubs were built around mines.
- Sometimes we forget that we actually owe the entire space we live in to mining. The entire culture of Silesia - today's culture - originated from mining. It was in mining that the Silesian dialect was preserved and it was in mining that people learned to work. We could always see the effects of this work on the surface. That's why we are meeting, to talk about all this, to show what that period looked like, but also to give a signal that all this should be talked about, written about and told - stressed Robert Ciupa, Director of the Silesian Freedom and Solidarity Center.
The conference "Around the Mining Identity" was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the history, present and future of the mining industry in Poland. It also opened the door to further discussion, research and cooperation in the field of mining. The conference showed that despite the challenges facing the coal industry, there is still a passion and commitment to preserving its heritage.
- We have concluded that it’s worth talking about what social role mining has played over the years, and even beyond, when mining was the pride and glory of the Polish economy. We want to show that we, residents of Upper Silesia, are proud of these achievements, of the fact that mining is part of our lives - concluded Gabriel Cyrulik, President of the Management Board of JSW Szkolenie i Górnictwo.
