Reducing and managing emissions of mine waters and the minerals dissolved in them, and above all, using these wastes as resources, is an important element of sustainable development in regions undergoing a gradual phase-out of fossil fuel extraction. This article examines selected aspects of mine water management and the mineral substances contained therein, using the Polish hard coal mining industry as a case study, providing valuable insights for both Poland and other mining regions reducing raw material extraction regarding the sustainability of social water demand, mining sector restructuring, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Poland, underground hard coal mining remains a significant source of mine water and mineral salt emissions. Mine waters, discharged into the catchments of major rivers (approximately 200 million m³ per year) along with their dissolved mineral compounds (approximately 1.5 million Mg per year), have repeatedly contributed to serious environmental disruptions, e.g., the phenomena of so-called “fish kill”. This study analyzes both the scale of emissions and the economic utilization of mineralized mine waters discharged to the surface by underground hard coal mining in Poland. Key processes and potential causes for the observed increase in environmental burdens are discussed. Furthermore, the paper presents a current statistical assessment of the trends and scale of emission changes, which can serve as a basis for environmental management decision-making amidst the decarbonization of the economy. Utilizing potential water resources and mineral compounds from mine waters for internal use or within circular economy applications can reduce environmental pressure, support compliance with sustainable development policies, and mitigate long-term impacts on post-mining regions.

Poland is the largest hard coal producer in the European Union. Changes observed during the energy transition, undertaken to slow climate change, is reducing demand for fossil fuels. The restructuring of the hard coal mining industry in Poland is adapting the sector to new market, environmental, and social challenges. Currently, the Polish energy sector is not prepared to rapid phase-out the combustion of thermal coal. A transition period is necessary, during which the Polish hard coal mining industry must provide sufficient coal to stabilize the power grid through coal-fired power plants. Coal extraction occurs in extraction excavations, but to enable their operation, mining companies must conduct a certain amount of preparatory roadways. The article analyzes the changes occurring in the basic technical parameters of excavated preparatory excavations and the difficulties affecting the length and number of excavated preparatory roadways. Selected reasons for the temporary suspension of excavated preparatory roadways are also analyzed. An attempt is made to identify the most important causes of these limitations and proposes recommendations. The obtained results of the statistical review of difficulties in preparatory exploitation will be used to present a picture of the current condition of the sector and to forecast possible directions of transformation of the hard coal mining sector in Poland and can potentially be used in other countries conducting similar decarbonization processes.

Poland is the largest hard coal producer in the European Union. Economic decarbonization, undertaken to slow climate change, is reducing demand for fossil fuels. The restructuring of the hard coal mining industry in Poland is adapting the sector to new market, environmental, and social challenges. Currently, the Polish energy sector is not prepared to phase out the combustion of thermal coal. A transition period is necessary, during which the Polish hard coal mining industry must provide sufficient coal to stabilize the power grid through coal-fired power plants. Coal extraction occurs in extraction excavations, but to enable their operation, mining companies must conduct a certain amount of preparatory roadway excavations. The article analyzes the changes occurring in the basic technical parameters of excavated preparatory excavations and the difficulties affecting the length and number of excavated preparatory roadway excavations. Selected reasons for the temporary suspension of excavated preparatory roadway excavations are also analyzed. An attempt is made to identify the most important causes of these limitations and proposes recommendations. The obtained results of the statistical review of difficulties in preparatory exploitation will be used to present a picture of the current condition of the sector and to forecast possible directions of transformation of the hard coal mining sector in Poland and can potentially be used in other countries conducting similar decarbonization processes.