XXI World Mining Congress
On 10 September 2008, an away session of the XXI World Mining Congress was
held at the seat of the State Mining Authority in Katowice. It was attended by
visitors from Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 1000 representatives from
several dozen countries discussed problems and the future of world’s mining. The
meeting was attended by the Chief Labour Inspector Tadeusz Jan Zając. The
meeting was chaired by the President of the State Mining Authority, Piotr
Buchwald.
The World’s Mining Congress gathers managerial and scientific staff. Its first
session took place in 1958 in Warsaw. Now, after fifty years it was again held
in Poland. The motto of this year’s World Mining Forum is: “New challenges and
new prospects for Mining Sector”. The conference was organized under the
auspices of the President of the Republic of Poland, Lech Kaczyński.
Among the topics discussed during the session there were new techniques and
technologies in underground exploitation of resources, mining activity risk,
training of staff, prevention and hazards in mining, work safety in mines,
information technology in the mining sector, prospects for coal mining and the
problem of closing mines.
- Deteriorating mining and geological conditions, resulting from digging the
earth in search of natural resources at deeper earth levels determine the need
to implement new technological and organizational solutions, which implies the
need for related investments – Chief Labour Inspector Tadeusz Jan Zając
said to the participants. – It is likely in this situation that rights and needs
of employees become the notions of minor importance. A real determinant of NLI’s
activity should be to ensure employees working conditions compliant with
provisions and OSH regulations even if working environment conditions are
worsening. Accomplishment of these objectives would not be possible but for the
day-to-day basis cooperation with mining sector, supervising authorities and
social partners representing employers and employees. The social labour
inspection is a significant ally in the process of improving working conditions.
Its organization in the mining sector is exceptionally good and institution
itself is professional and effective in achievement of goals.
The conference was also attended by the District Labour Inspector from Katowice,
Teresa Różańska. |
