State Mining Authority

From 26 to 28 October, the SMA hosted a study visit for representatives of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo. The visit was organised in cooperation with TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange), the EU instrument providing technical assistance and training to public administrations.

The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, facilitate the exchange of experience and familiarise the delegation with Poland’s legal framework, the system for supervising mining operations, and the organisation and functioning of national rescue services and mining infrastructure.

The first day of the visit was held at the headquarters of the State Mining Authority (SMA), where the delegation was welcomed by Piotr Litwa, President of the SMA. A representative of Kosovo’s Ministry of Economy then presented the specific characteristics and conditions of the country’s mining sector. Representatives of the SMA subsequently provided a detailed overview of the organisational structure, responsibilities and powers of Poland’s mining supervisory authorities. The programme also featured expert panel discussions focusing on national inspection procedures, the legal framework governing the licensing process, and occupational safety and risk management in mining operations. Further discussions addressed procedures for mine closure, the reclamation of post-mining areas and the principles of sustainable mineral resource management.

On the second day of the visit, the Kosovan delegation learned about the work of the SMA’s Archive of Surveying and Geological Documentation. They attended a presentation outlining its responsibilities and the methods used to manage and work with geological archival records. The delegation then visited the Central Mine Rescue Station (CSRG S.A.) in Bytom, where they were introduced to the organisational structure and operating procedures of Poland’s mine rescue system. The three-day visit concluded at the ‘Piast-Ziemowit’ Hard Coal Mine in Lędziny. Representatives of Kosovo’s Ministry of Economy had the opportunity to visit the underground workings, gaining first-hand insight into the conditions and technologies involved in coal mining in Poland.

The State Mining Authority regularly shares its administrative best practices and approaches to the supervision of mining operations with representatives of countries seeking to join the European Union or aligning their legislation with EU requirements. Previous visits have included delegations from Türkiye, interested in Poland’s approach to personal protective equipment in mines, and Ukraine, with which the Authority exchanged experience in the field of industrial safety.

It is worth noting that TAIEX is an important European Union instrument for strengthening institutional capacity, providing public administrations in EU candidate countries and other partner countries with targeted, rapid technical assistance. It supports the EU integration process by facilitating the alignment of national legislation with EU standards, improving governance and promoting socio-economic reforms. Drawing on the expertise of public administrations across EU Member States, TAIEX fosters peer-to-peer cooperation, promotes the exchange of best practices and helps strengthen institutional capacity, enabling partner countries to implement effective and sustainable reforms.