Miners working at the Pniwek coal mine, 40 km south-west of Katowice, the capital of Silesia.

Miners at the Pniwek coal mine, 40km south-west of Katowice, the capital of Silesia. The region contains numerous active coal mines guaranteeing the supply of coal from which Poland draws 80% of its energy. Job security, good salaries, early retirement and, in many cases, family tradition make this an attractive occupation, but the profession is in an inexorable decline as many of the mines are not profitable.
Poland, one of the largest producers of coal in Europe, is also one of the most polluted countries. The EU recommendation of carbon neutrality by 2050 seems out of reach.,Miners at the Pniówek coal mine, 40Â km south-west of Katowice, the capital of Silesia. The region contains numerous active coal mines guaranteeing the supply of coal from which Poland draws 80% of its energy. Job security, good salaries, early retirement and, in many cases, family tradition make this an attractive occupation, but the profession is in an inexorable decline as many of the mines are not profitable., Poland, one of the largest producers of coal in Europe, is also one of the most polluted countries. The EU recommendation of carbon neutrality by 2050 seems out of reach.