ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN (POLAND)
University of Silesia, Faculty of Earth Sciences, 60 Bedzinska St., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
University of Silesia, Faculty of Earth Sciences, 60 Bedzinska St., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
University of Silesia, Faculty of Earth Sciences, 60 Bedzinska St., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
Abstract
The coal mining industry in The Upper Silesian Coal Basin has existed for over 150 years. Recentlythe mining industry in the USCB has been found at a low ebb. About the thirty oldest coal mines were closed to reducethe operating costs of the mining industry. Coal exploitation over a long period in the Upper Silesian Coal Basinhas caused considerable and often irreversible changes in the natural environment. After the ending of exploitation,apart from hitherto existing hazards, which are gradually decreasing, new ones may also appear. A few years ago theauthorities of the Silesian agglomeration began to labour under the diffi culties connected with the process of windingup mining works and with the management of former mining areas. Their revitalization requires well-planned actionsand suitable fi nancial expenditures.