Energy firms to buy coal mines?

Some of the coal mines owned by sector giant Kompania Węglowa will be acquired by exporter Węglokoks and others may be integrated into energy groups Enea, PGE and Tauron, Deputy Economy Minister Tomasz Tomczykiewicz was quoted as saying by the Polish Press Agency. The purchase of mines by Węglokoks will be the first stage of the state’s rescue plan for the Polish coal mining sector. “Talks about the second stage are in progress,” Tomczykiewicz said at a press conference. “They are heading toward the consolidation of coal assets into the energy sector.” Companies with a large power generation segment, namely Enea, PGE and Tauron, could take over some of the mines, the minister explained. Decisions are expected before the end of this year. Tomczykiewicz also said that Kompania Węglowa should launch its restructuring program before the end of September. UPDATE:

Deputy Treasury Minister Rafał Baniak told the Polish Press Agency later on Thursday that the restructuring plan for coal giant Kompania Węglowa did not include the idea of selling mines for energy sector firms.