First private coal mine brings 250 new jobs to Silesia

Poland's first private coal mine is scheduled to begin operations in mid-February. The mine, located in the Silesian city of Zabrze, is the brainchild of Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) Sejm deputy Jan Chojnacki, who will run the company together with 12 as yet unnamed local entrepreneurs. The investors have received all the necessary permits for the venture from the Treasury, Economy and Environment Ministries. According to Janusz Siemieniec, president of the Mining Sector Restructuring Administration (SRK), the new venture stands a chance of success, since it has no liabilities and will begin operations at a minimal cost, estimated at zl.2 million. Annual production is planned at 250,000 tons. Members of the Polish Professional Miners' Association (ZZGwP) remain skeptical about the success of the venture, but admit that the industry could use new jobs, especially in a region where the unemployment level currently stands at 20%. Already 2,000 applications have been received for the 250 jobs on offer. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Feb. 2-3, p. 23) M.T.K.