“Mining must be said goodbye with honors.” The former deputy prime minister appeals

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy in Jerzy Buzek’s cabinet, Janusz Steinhoff, gave an interview to Money.pl. The conversation concerns the difficult situation at Jastrzębska Spółka Weglowa (JSW). In the first half of 2025, JSW recorded losses amounting to PLN 2.075 billion with a year-on-year decline in revenues to PLN 4.715 billion (a decrease of PLN 1.461 billion). The former minister has no doubt that the problems result from, among others, from poor management of the company. He points to the restructuring of JSW signaled by the new Minister of State Assets, Wojciech Balczun, as a step in the right direction.

– JSW cannot be allowed to collapse. Coking coal is on the EU’s list of strategic raw materials and is key to steel production. We need a new start and a realistic and effective restructuring plan – says Steinhoff.

Steinhoff: “The mining industry is having a ball on the Titanic”

In the years 1997-2001, the Minister of Economy carried out a mining reform during his term of office, which resulted in, among others, restructuring and liquidation of 23 mines. In his opinion, although we have good experience in mining restructuring in Poland, no one wants to use it.

– Populism and lack of realism reign. President Duda said that we have coal for 200 years and the mining industry cannot be murdered. His successor announces federation without regard to economics or the applicable law on public aid. This is an example of distorting reality. In the mining industry, there is a party on the Titanic with unfulfilled promises – emphasizes the portal’s interlocutor.

When asked what the fate of JSW may be in the coming years after possible restructuring, Steinhoff points out that it is a “listed company that will take advantage of geographical rent and sell coal to EU countries.” – JSW will have 20 stable years before we switch to hydrogen in the steel industry. But only under the condition of good management and depoliticization. More visions, fewer empty promises – emphasizes the former head of the Ministry of Economy.

Later in the interview, Steinhoff appeals to politicians to “take responsibility for the state seriously.” – It is necessary to move away from populism and the instrumental treatment of Poles. Mining is becoming a thing of the past and must be farewelled with honors commensurate with the contribution of this industry to the development of the Polish economy for many years and respect for hard-working generations of miners. – sums up the former deputy prime minister.